{"id":3476,"date":"2025-01-27T09:01:02","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T14:01:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/queens.name\/?p=3476"},"modified":"2025-01-27T09:01:04","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T14:01:04","slug":"climate-change-impact-on-new-york-and-ways-to-combat-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/eternal-3476-climate-change-impact-on-new-york-and-ways-to-combat-it","title":{"rendered":"Climate Change: Impact on New York and Ways to Combat It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In 2019, New York City declared a climate emergency due to the effects of climate change, such as global warming, increased precipitation, rising sea levels, and more. The city, with its 14 miles of public beaches and one of the largest natural harbors in the world, faces significant risks as a coastal hub. Being a maritime port with numerous bridges and tunnels, New York is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels. Between 1860 and the early 2020s, sea levels have risen by approximately 50 cm, making it evident that the city is slowly sinking. Climate change affects New York\u2019s buildings, wetlands, water supply, public health, energy infrastructure, and more. Learn more at <a href=\"https:\/\/queens.name\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/queens.name\/\">queens.name<\/a>.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a5076da50223\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a5076da50223\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/eternal-3476-climate-change-impact-on-new-york-and-ways-to-combat-it\/#An_Urgent_Issue\" >An Urgent Issue<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/eternal-3476-climate-change-impact-on-new-york-and-ways-to-combat-it\/#Causes_of_Climate_Change\" >Causes of Climate Change<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/eternal-3476-climate-change-impact-on-new-york-and-ways-to-combat-it\/#Threats_Posed_by_Climate_Change\" >Threats Posed by Climate Change<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/eternal-3476-climate-change-impact-on-new-york-and-ways-to-combat-it\/#How_to_Combat_Climate_Change\" >How to Combat Climate Change<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_Urgent_Issue\"><\/span>An Urgent Issue<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"907\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/1-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3477\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/1-4.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/1-4-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/1-4-768x484.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/1-4-696x438.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/1-4-1068x673.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reports such as ClimAID and others highlight that the 21st century faces a climate crisis. Humanity, flora, fauna, and entire ecosystems face an uncertain future if adequate adaptation measures are not implemented. New York, the largest city in the United States by population and size, is sinking faster due to global warming than the global average rise in sea levels. Drastically reducing and ultimately eliminating greenhouse gas emissions is critical to preventing an environmental catastrophe.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes_of_Climate_Change\"><\/span>Causes of Climate Change<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"546\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/2-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/2-1-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/2-1-768x410.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/2-1-696x371.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global warming is primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions. These arise from burning oil, coal, and gas, landfills, transportation, unsustainable agriculture, and more. Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the Earth&#8217;s atmosphere amplify the greenhouse effect\u2014a process where gases trap solar heat. This effect is a key driver of global climate change.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In New York, most electricity is still generated from coal, oil, or gas. As of January 2025, the city operates 24 power plants fueled by natural gas and\/or oil. In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, these facilities release air pollutants that impact public health. Similarly, most cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes rely on fossil fuels.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In agriculture, mechanized farming, harvesting, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides harm soil, water, and air. These practices contribute to biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions. Pollution throughout the agricultural process worsens air quality and drives climate change. Notably, many farms in New York are family-run and established on deforested land. Trees release stored carbon when cut, contributing to emissions. Overall, deforestation, coupled with unsustainable agriculture and other land use changes, accounts for about 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Industry is another major factor. Harmful emissions result from burning fossil fuels to produce cement, iron, steel, electronics, plastics, clothing, and more. Emissions are also generated through the packaging and distribution of food products.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Threats_Posed_by_Climate_Change\"><\/span>Threats Posed by Climate Change<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1064\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3483\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/3.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/3-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/3-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/3-696x463.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/3-1068x710.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">As greenhouse gas concentrations rise, so does the Earth&#8217;s surface temperature. Heatwaves trigger wildfires, and with 6,800 acres of forests in New York, fires can spread quickly. Heat also increases ground-level ozone concentration, leading to asthma and other health issues. Ground-level ozone is a key component of smog, visible in major cities.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rising temperatures cause more moisture to evaporate, increasing precipitation and flooding and intensifying destructive storms. Warmer oceans exacerbate storm frequency and scale. Hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons feed on warm ocean waters, destroying homes, causing fatalities, and inflicting massive economic losses. Notably, some of the world\u2019s busiest aviation hubs, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia, are located in flood-prone areas of New York.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global warming also worsens water scarcity in certain regions, raising the risk of agricultural droughts that harm crops. Droughts can lead to devastating dust and sandstorms. Climate change also degrades tree habitats, crucial for absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants. This is a pressing concern for New York, where 24% of the land is covered by trees, comprising over 160 species. Of these, 21 species are vulnerable due to limited adaptability.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The New York Times has identified climate change as a factor contributing to rising rat infestations in the city. Such conditions enable rats to thrive and reproduce. However, perhaps the most significant threat lies in the impact on human health. Diseases, displacement, psychological stress, and malnutrition result in a significant loss of life in New York annually.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Combat_Climate_Change\"><\/span>How to Combat Climate Change<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/4.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/4-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/4-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.queens.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2025\/01\/4-696x390.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transition to Alternative Energy<br>One key solution is transitioning to alternative energy. Producing &#8220;green energy&#8221; minimizes environmental harm. New York is increasingly adopting power plants that harness solar, wind, and hydro energy.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Organic and Regenerative Farming<br>Organic farming involves cultivating GMO-free crops without harmful fertilizers, preserving natural resources, protecting the environment, and restoring soil fertility. Regenerative agriculture further promotes sustainable farming, enriching soil, increasing biodiversity, and optimizing resource use. In New York, the Queens County Farm Museum practices regenerative agriculture.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eco-Friendly Transportation<br>Transportation is a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, New York launched the Green Rides Initiative, aiming for Uber and Lyft taxis to transition to zero-emission vehicles.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enhancing Building Energy Efficiency<br>Improving building energy efficiency (e.g., upgrading windows or insulating attics and walls) reduces carbon emissions from household appliances.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improving Forest Management<br>Forests and plants absorb carbon, making them vital for regulating Earth\u2019s temperature. Responsible forest practices have been implemented in New York to protect green spaces from destructive human activity. Many of these spaces are within nature reserves where harmful practices are prohibited.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sustainable Industrial Solutions<br>Promoting eco-friendly production is key to sustainable development. For instance, the zero-waste household goods store Earth &amp; Me in Queens continuously develops ways to reduce community waste, from backyard composting to using recycled materials for packaging and transport.<\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 2019, New York City declared a climate emergency due to the effects of climate change, such as global warming, increased precipitation, rising sea levels, and more. The city, with its 14 miles of public beaches and one of the largest natural harbors in the world, faces significant risks as a coastal hub. Being a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":474,"featured_media":3489,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[335],"tags":[2373,2370,2381,2380,2389,2384,2374,2390,2359,2385,2388,2387,2377,2372,2368,2369,2378,2301,2379,689,2375,2376,2371,2353,2383,2382],"moimportance":[30,33],"motype":[325],"moformat":[22],"class_list":{"0":"post-3476","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-innovations","8":"tag-air-pollution","9":"tag-alternative-energy","10":"tag-carbon-emissions","11":"tag-climate-adaptation","12":"tag-climate-change","13":"tag-climate-crisis","14":"tag-eco-friendly-transportation","15":"tag-ecological-conservation","16":"tag-energy-efficiency","17":"tag-environmental-solutions","18":"tag-extreme-weather","19":"tag-forest-management","20":"tag-global-warming","21":"tag-green-rides-initiative","22":"tag-greenhouse-gas-emissions","23":"tag-new-york-city","24":"tag-organic-farming","25":"tag-queens","26":"tag-regenerative-agriculture","27":"tag-renewable-energy","28":"tag-renewable-energy-solutions","29":"tag-rising-sea-levels","30":"tag-sustainable-development","31":"tag-sustainable-energy","32":"tag-urban-sustainability","33":"tag-zero-waste-stores","34":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","35":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","36":"motype-eternal","37":"moformat-longrid-korotka"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3476","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/474"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3476"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3476\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3492,"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3476\/revisions\/3492"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3489"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3476"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3476"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3476"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=3476"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=3476"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=3476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}