2018 Reports

Preparing for Sea-Level Rise, Coastal Storms, and Other Climate Change-Induced Hazards in New York

Gornitz, Vivien; Major, David C.

New York City faces significant risks from sea level rise and coastal storms, with large populations and critical infrastructure located in low-lying areas. Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the city developed comprehensive climate adaptation strategies, including strengthened flood defenses, wetland and beach restoration, and updated building codes. Ongoing projects such as “The Big U” and the East Side Coastal Resilience Project aim to protect neighborhoods from storm surges while enhancing urban resiliency. These efforts exemplify a science-based, long-term approach to safeguarding a major metropolitan coastal region.