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Report: NYC Faces Serious Impact from Climate Change
By
John Del Signore
Published Feb 18, 2009
Modified Feb 18, 2009
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By
John Del Signore
Published Feb 18, 2009
Modified Feb 18, 2009
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The Bloomberg-appointed Panel on Climate Change released its final report yesterday, predicting that annual temperatures will rise between 4 and 7.5 degrees over the next century, while heat waves, damaging rain, and coastal flooding will become increasingly regular occurrences. Here's a look at what the city may very well look like as heavy flooding becomes more frequent.
The report also estimates that sea levels could rise 12 to 23 inches by the end of the century, and by the 2020s levels may already be up 2 to 5 inches. In a press conference held to announce the report, the mayor told reporters, "Climate change is real and could have serious consequences for New York if we don't take action." Of course, this is the same mayor who authorized major residential rezoning along the Brooklyn waterfront, encouraging huge housing developments that will likely face devastating flooding in the coming years (if anyone ever moves in). This must-read Village Voice article from 2007 has more on the administration's waterfront short-sightedness.
A task force will now work on preparing city infrastructure for the various scenarios outlined in the report, but officials already expect to start moving critical equipment in city buildings above sea level (wherever that may be) and incorporate climate changes into future architectural designs. On the bright side, the catastrophic changes may eventually result in free housing for displaced New Yorkers in deluxe shipping containers.
Tagged
bloomberg
climate change
global warming
panel
report
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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