Your Essential Guide to Mayoral Candidates: How They Plan to Tackle Climate and Environmental Issues – City Limits

As early voting begins for New York City’s primary race, it’s crucial to understand where the Democratic candidates stand on climate and environmental issues.

Interestingly, climate was a missing topic in the last mayoral debate. Instead, discussions were mainly about housing and affordability. This lack of focus worries advocates who believe these pressing issues should be at the forefront.

Pete Sikora, from New York Communities for Change, notes a national shift away from climate action. “The city’s politics reflect that,” he says. Yet, with the city facing extreme weather and rising temperatures, some forums and organizations are highlighting the urgency of these problems.

Leading the polls are former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. Both candidates have stirred strong opinions among environmentalists.

Groups like New York Communities for Change support Mamdani, seeing him as committed to clean energy. In 2021, he campaigned against a plan to expand a gas-powered plant. He has also backed initiatives for congestion pricing and restrictions on fossil fuel equipment in new buildings.

On the other hand, environmental group Food & Water Action has a grim view of Cuomo. “Cuomo is a climate disaster,” says Laura Shindell, the state director. Cuomo has faced criticism for accepting fossil fuel donations and for attempts to weaken climate policies during his tenure.

Despite this, Cuomo has received endorsements from some environmental organizations for initiatives like congestion pricing. He has also put significant funds into projects aimed at environmental protection.

Experts highlight that as climate change impacts worsen, the new mayor will face challenges like reducing carbon emissions from buildings, enhancing city parks, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws like Local Law 97, aimed at limiting carbon footprints.

Only a few candidates have shared concrete environmental policies. Comptroller Brad Lander has detailed plans for solar energy expansion and aims to electrify school buses. He also intends to bolster city parks and improve infrastructure to meet climate goals.

Senator Zellnor Myrie emphasizes significant investments in vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate change. Meanwhile, former Comptroller Scott Stringer’s approach focuses on community resilience hubs to assist neighborhoods during climate emergencies.

Candidate responses indicate a trend towards prioritizing clean energy and infrastructure to address environmental issues. For instance, Zohran Mamdani promises comprehensive renewable energy projects, while candidates like Adrienne Adams and Michael Blake advocate for using local resources and strengthening community programs.

Public engagement remains vital. Overall, the new mayor’s leadership will shape the city’s environmental future as they tackle these critical challenges.

For more on candidate platforms, visit City Limits.

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