A new report from the State’s Climate Action Council lays out a wide-ranging roadmap for how New York can meet its ambitious greenhouse gas-cutting goals.
The plan focuses on six categories that make up the bulk of the state’s emissions. It includes suggestions for how the state should shift toward electric vehicles, bolster its power grid and improve efficiency in buildings.
1. Clean Energy
New York State has long been a leader in clean energy. In 1975, it founded the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
The NYSERDA program provides a range of incentives for residents, businesses and non-profits to use renewable energy sources in their homes and offices. They include rebates, low-interest loans, free energy advice and more.
In addition, the City of New York has been working to reduce the amount of fossil fuels it uses. It has a goal of installing 100 megawatts of solar on public buildings by 2025 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent from City-owned facilities.
The State is also making large investments in offshore wind power and building efficiency. These programs and projects will support a clean energy powered economy that benefits all New Yorkers.
2. Adaptation
Adaptation, or a way of preparing for changes in climate that may occur over time, is an essential part of ensuring a sustainable and resilient future. It includes reducing the risks of extreme heat, increased rainfall, and sea level rise.
It also involves building structures to withstand storms and flooding. These strategies could include storm surge barriers, restored wetlands, and sump pumps.
To address these challenges, New York City is implementing a range of policies and programs to reduce carbon emissions and improve resiliency to climate change. It is also developing a knowledge base to support these actions.
3. Transportation
Transportation is essential for New Yorkers’ access to jobs, education, health care, recreation and more. It is also the backbone of New York’s economy.
However, conditions on our road and rail system are deteriorating. Much of the Interstate highway system, for example, is over 50 years old and many components are nearing the end of their useful life.
Similarly, many subway lines and buses are reaching the end of their 12 year lifespans. In addition, more frequent and more intense storms are threatening our city’s transportation infrastructure.
4. Waste Reduction
New York City produces an estimated 33 million tons of waste every year. The vast majority of that waste is sent to landfills.
Because of this, there are a number of ways that New York can reduce its waste. These include increasing recycling, developing financial incentives to discourage garbage creation, and improving infrastructure to divert waste from landfills.
As part of this strategy, the city is working to expand its organics collection and local drop off sites, implement more zero waste school programs, and increase recycling for textiles and electronics. These initiatives have already helped to lower greenhouse gas emissions from the solid waste sector by 22%.
5. Green Space
Green spaces are vital for New Yorkers’ health and wellbeing. They give people a place to relax, and help to reduce air pollution and boost mental well-being.
In addition, urban vegetation removes pollutants and cools the earth by absorbing solar heat. It also captures stormwater, filters pollutants and helps prevent flooding.
Despite these important environmental benefits, the city’s natural areas are hardly fully utilized or protected. Moreover, racial and economic inequities continue to undermine access to open space.
To address these issues, the City is working to make sure that all residents live within a short walk of a park or green space by 2050. This requires increased investment in new parks and public green space.
