New York City, USA

Climate Change Impacts

Extreme Heat:

Extreme heat can have a toll on infrastructure and how we get around by straining systems

Flooding & Stronger Storms:

Coastal storms are very much capable of damaging homes and personal belongings. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says that an inch of water in a home can cause $25,000 in damages.

Worse Air Quality:

Air pollutants cause around 2,400 deaths per year and thousands of visits to hospitals.

Case Study

Jamaica Bay is one of New York City’s biggest coastal ecosystems. Climate change is causing rising sea levels, stronger storms, and habitat loss that threaten this natural landmark.

Why is Jamaica Bay Important?

Supports hundreds of species like birds, fish, and marine life
Helps protect NYC from flooding by absorbing storm water and lets us access nature

Environmental Problem

Rising Sea Levels
Higher water levels can flood wetlands and marshes
Natural lands disappear faster than it can rebuild
Stronger Storms and Coastal Flooding
More erosion; damaged neighborhood and public spaces
Damaged shorelines and ecosystems, changing water conditions and hurting species
Loss of Habitat and Biodiversity
Less birds and marine animals, leading to unhealthy ecosystems
Stressed plants and animals from changed temperature and water conditions

How do climate change-induced problems affect me?

Weak natural barriers increase flood impacts across NYC
We can’t enjoy beaches, parks, or nature
We lose protection if our wetlands aren’t healthy; they help reduce damage storms

Solutions!!

What Can I Do?

Reduce use of building energy by turning off lights or chargers you’re not using
Use smart transportation! Walk, bike, or take public transportation.
Join Local Organizations!
- New York Restoration Project
- GrowNYC
Participate in Climate Week NYC, the world’s largest climate event with more than 100k people!

Sources

https://www.nyc.gov/content/climate/pages/extreme-heat
https://www.climateweeknyc.org/
https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/climate-change-and-public-health.page