We will begin developing
a comprehensive climate changeadaptation policy
But all New Yorkers-not just individual neighborhoods-will
be impacted by climate change. Protecting the city will
require a city-wide strategy. (See case study on facing
page: The Cost of Inaction)
Countries around the world have begun to develop this
kind of broad-based framework for climate change adaptation-in
Britain, Japan, and the Netherlands.
But New York will become the first major American city
to comprehensively assess the risks, costs, and potential
solutions for adapting to climate change.
This effort will be unprecedented and challenging.
Climate change projections for sea level rise, intensifying
storms, and hotter temperatures are just that-projections.
The variables involved in forecasting mean that there
are no certainties, only probabilities. As a result,
a step-by-step approach, with decision points along
the way, will be necessary.
Further, some proposals require thinking on a scale
that is beyond the traditional scope for public planning.
Concepts like sea walls-concrete barriers that would
surround the city's coast line-or a series of more targeted
storm surge barriers are possibilities, but each raises
serious questions. Storm surge barriers could protect
significant swaths of our coastline, but still leave
others exposed-and cost billions.Any assessment of investments
on that scale will need to be undertaken carefully.
We will create a strategic planning process to adapt
to climate change impacts
That's why we will create a New York City Climate Change
Advisory Board. Composed of non-City government agencies,
as well as scientists, engineers, insurance experts,
and public policy experts, the advisory board will help
the Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability
develop a planning framework by: - Developing a risk-based, cost-benefit assessment process to inform investment decisions, including the establishment of clear metrics and decision points
- Assessing possible strategies to protect against flooding and storm surges, and providing recommendations
As the first American city to undertake such a comprehensive climate change
planning process, the first phase of this effort includes
a scoping study to identify necessary experts, methodology,
and design of the larger planning process. This study
will look to models abroad, as well as to academic and
other work here in the United States.
In addition, we will work with other coastal cities
in the United States to share information on climate
change planning experiences, develop joint strategies,
and pool resources when appropriate.
Progress (as of 4/22/08):
The City will begin a scoping study as a first step
toward creating a strategic planning process.
Progress (as of 10/22/08):
Based on the initial work of the New York City Climate Change Adaptation Task Force, which is working to secure the city's critical infrastructure, the City will begin a scoping study as a first step toward creating a strategic planning process.
We will ensure that New York's 100-year floodplain
maps are updated
FEMA's floodplain maps for New York City are significantly
out of date. The last major revisions were in 1983,
based on even earlier data. Since that time, numerous
shifts have occurred that should be reflected in these
plans: changes to the shoreline and elevations, rising
sea levels, and an increased severity of storms, along
with technological changes that allow for more accurate
map-making. Mapping like that done by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers for the city's hurricane zones will
inform the revisions.
These maps determine insurance rates and establish
areas subject to building code requirements, so it is
critically important that they be accurate and up-to-date.
We will work with FEMA to ensure that our floodplain
maps reflect the most current information.
Progress (as of 4/22/08):
The City created an interagency group and continues
identify strategies for working with FEMA to update
its FIRMs. Over the next few months, the City will
meet with appropriate FEMA staff to develop the scope
of work for map revision.
Progress (as of 10/22/08):
The City created an interagency group and continues to identify strategies for working with FEMA to update its FIRMs. Over the next few months, the City will meet with appropriate FEMA staff to develop the scope of work for map revision.
We will document the City's floodplain management
strategies to secure discounted flood insurance for
New Yorkers
The National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community
Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program
that recognizes community floodplain management strategies
that go beyond the minimum required. On the basis of
this rating system, the 15,000 flood insurance policyholders
in the city can receive discounts for aggressive action.
New York City already has relatively strict standards
that should make residents eligible for reduced premiums,
but we must submit an extensive application documenting
our actions to FEMA. The City will compile and submit
the documentation required to establish its CRS rating.
Progress (as of 4/22/08):
In Summer 2007, the various city agencies held discussions
with FEMA and the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYS DEC) to complete FEMA's National
Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating
System (CRS) application. The CRS is a voluntary incentive
program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain
management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP
requirements, resulting in discounted flood insurance
premiums. An analysis of the costs and benefits of
this initiative has demonstrated the potential for
minimal reductions in flood insurance premiums. Therefore,
further development of this initiative has been suspended
at this time.
Progress (as of 10/22/08):
In Summer 2007, the various city agencies held discussions with FEMA and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) to complete FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) application. The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements, resulting in discounted flood insurance premiums. An analysis of the costs and benefits of this initiative has demonstrated the potential for minimal reductions in flood insurance premiums. Therefore, further development of this initiative has been suspended at this time.
We will amend the building code to address the impacts
of climate change
The Department of Buildings will assemble a task force
composed of City officials, building professionals,
and other experts to make recommendations for changes
to the building code that address the consequences of
climate change. Impacts to be considered include the
increased potential for flooding, droughts, high winds,
heat waves, the disruption of utility services, and
the need for buildings to be inhabitable without energy,
a concept known as "passive survivability."
This task force will coordinate with other working groups
analyzing the impacts of climate change and requirements
for adaptation.
Progress (as of 4/22/08):
The City will continue its review of building codes
with the goal to implement all code changes prior
to 2010, and will include climate adaptation issues
as part of this work.
Progress (as of 10/22/08):
The City will continue its review of building codes with the goal to implement all code changes prior to 2010, and will include climate adaptation issues as part of this work.
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