5 NYC Climate Resiliency Plans to Know About

Climate change is a pressing issue across the globe, and New York City is no exception. With its vast population and high vulnerability to natural disasters, NYC has been taking various steps to adapt to Earth’s changing climate.

One way NYC is preparing for the future is by developing climate resiliency plans. Read on to explore some of the climate resiliency plans that you may not know about (but should!).

What is a climate resiliency plan?

A climate resiliency plan is a comprehensive strategy developed by governments and organizations to mitigate climate-related risks. These plans outline measures to address the risks and vulnerabilities of climate change by switching to renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving infrastructure and community preparedness, and enhancing the natural systems that support urban areas.

What is the importance of climate resiliency?

Climate resiliency plans are crucial. They work by helping communities prepare for and withstand the impacts of climate change. By taking action now, cities can:

• Protect public health and safety
• Minimize economic losses
• Preserve natural resources
• Enhance social equity and justice

The Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency (MOCR) in NYC

The Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency (MOCR) was established in 2019 to lead the city’s efforts to prepare for the impacts of climate change in NYC. The office is responsible for developing and implementing climate resiliency strategies, coordinating with other city agencies, and engaging with communities to build resilience.

Vision Statement from the Mayor’s Office of Resiliency:

“The Mayor’s Office of Resiliency (MOR) strives to adapt New York City to the unprecedented challenge of climate change, creating a more resilient, equitable and vibrant city for the New Yorkers of today and generations to come.”

Benefits of a Climate Resiliency Plan

Manage Climate Risks

Climate resilience plans help manage the risks of extreme weather events, such as flooding and heat waves. By improving infrastructure, building sea walls and barriers, and relocating critical infrastructure away from high-risk areas now, we can mitigate these climate risks in NYC’s future.

Improve Electricity Access

Climate resilience plans can also improve access to electricity during natural disasters by promoting the development of distributed energy systems, such as microgrids and rooftop solar panels. Solar energy is an important part of NYC’s overarching climate resilience plans. 

NYC has some of the highest electric rates in the country, making solar a very valuable alternative. We also have some of the best incentives for solar power in the country. This makes the switch to solar easier and more cost effective for homeowners in the NYC area. Get in touch with us to see how much you can save on your solar installation!

Clean Energy Transitions

Climate resilience initiatives can help accelerate the transition to clean energy sources like wind and solar power, by promoting policies (i.e. the United States government’s 2022 Climate Bill) and incentives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. New York provides many subsidies to help promote the adoption of solar. Visit our NY solar incentives page to learn more. 

Reduce Damage and Costs

Naturally, by reducing the risks and impacts of natural disasters, climate resilience plans also help minimize the costs of damages to property, infrastructure, and human lives. Planning for our city’s future at this point is crucial.

NYC Resiliency Plans Happening Now

NYC Stormwater Resiliency Plan

As we’ve seen the past few years, extreme rainfall events have been causing major issues more frequently in NYC, and the trends are only showing an increase in precipitation. NYC’s Stormwater Resiliency Plan will help implement new policies for resilient stormwater management, change the city’s flash flood emergency response procedure, and more.

Wastewater Resiliency Plan

The NYC Wastewater Resiliency Plan is a comprehensive study that examined buildings and infrastructure (pumping stations and wastewater resource recovery facilities) to identify and prioritize infrastructure that is most at risk of flood damage. As a result of the study, there are now recommended design standards and cost-effective protective measures currently being implemented to mitigate flood risks. 

Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency

Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency (LMCR) is the City’s plan to adapt Lower Manhattan to climate impacts, for this generation and the next. This plan will protect Manhattan from flooding via sea level rise and coastal storms. The plan will ensure the area’s continuity in serving the many businesses, residents, workers, visitors, and commuters in the area who rely heavily on its transit network and want to remain in their dynamic neighborhoods.

Cloudburst Management

A “cloudburst” is defined as a sudden and violent rainstorm. This can cause major flooding that leads to property damage and pollute New York’s rivers, streams, and harbors. Having cloudburst management put in place gives us the opportunity to combat and minimize damage from these sudden floods. Cloudburst management implements a combination of methods that absorb, store, and transfer stormwater to minimize flooding from cloudburst events. 

Brooklyn Greenway

The Brooklyn Greenway stretches 26 miles along Brooklyn’s coastline and provides various different forms of climate resilience. The Greenway can help the state and city reach their goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (outlined in the NYC Climate Mobilization Act) by providing a convenient path for people to travel via walking or biking. 

Since the Brooklyn Greenway passes through many areas in Brooklyn that are susceptible to flooding, it will also help mitigate these climate impacts. Just one of the many things that will create a more sustainable Brooklyn!

Play a Positive Role in Climate Change

Climate resiliency plans are vital for NYC’s preparedness and adaptation to the effects of climate change. They not only reduce risks and damages but also contribute to the city’s transition to a more sustainable and equitable future. As New Yorkers, increasing sustainability within NYC is one way we can support these plans.

Going solar is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and create a more sustainable home. Plus, solar is easier and more affordable to install in NYC than you may think. See if your home qualifies today and help make NYC’s future more sustainable!