Skip to content

Panel: Climate Change in NYC: Designing and Building for What’s to Come

According to Columbia University's Center for Climate Systems Research, the sea level around New York City may rise more than two feet by the year 2080. In addition, "flooding by major storms would inundate many low-lying neighborhoods and shut down the metropolitan transportation system with much greater frequency." Increases in average temperature in the same period are predicted to be between 4 and 10 degrees. The impact on the city's infrastructure will be profound.

According to Columbia University’s Center for Climate Systems Research, the sea level around New York City may rise more than two feet by the year 2080. In addition, “flooding by major storms would inundate many low-lying neighborhoods and shut down the metropolitan transportation system with much greater frequency.” Increases in average temperature in the same period are predicted to be between 4 and 10 degrees. The impact on the city’s infrastructure will be profound.

Climate Change in NYC: Designing and Building for What’s to Come

We invite you to hear the experts share their answers.

  • Dr. Radley Horton, climatologist, Center for Climate Systems Research, Columbia University
  • Michael A. Fishman, Associate Director, Halcrow New York
  • Laurie Kerr, Senior Policy Advisor in the Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability
  • Dr. Kevin J. Phillips, principal and hydrologist, FPM Group Ltd.
  • Moderator: Michael Gerrard Esq., Partner, Arnold & Porter. Mr. Gerrard is the editor of the book Global Climate Change and U.S. Law, recently published by the American Bar Association, which examines the role of the law in developing mechanisms to protect the climate — in energy conservation, expansion of renewable energy technologies, and implementation of emission caps and trading programs.
Photo of Aaron Donovan
Before he began blogging about land use and transportation, Aaron Donovan wrote The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund's annual fundraising appeal for three years and earned a master's degree in urban planning from Columbia. Since then, he has worked for nonprofit organizations devoted to New York City economic development. He lives and works in the Financial District, and sees New York's pre-automobile built form as an asset that makes New York unique in the United States, and as a strategic advantage that should be capitalized upon.

Read More:

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Hochul Could Cut ‘Runaway’ Crash Lawsuits With Default Motorist Liability

April 16, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: The Last Gasp of the Bikelash Edition

April 16, 2026

Mamdani’s DOT Responds to Astoria Bike Lane Backlash … With an Even Longer Bike Lane

April 15, 2026

Ask An Insurance Industry Insider: Safe Streets Are The Best Way To Bring Down Insurance Costs

April 15, 2026

Council Leader Urges City To Activate Ferry To NJ Before World Cup

April 15, 2026
See all posts