New York City’s Panel on Climate Change produced a report claiming that by the 2050s the mean temperature of “typical” year in NYC will “bear similarities” to current Norfolk, Virginia; moreover, the report indicates that precipitation will increase, sea levels will rise, and 100 and 500-year floodwater heights will also increase. These statistics invoke some concerns for the future of New York City, and make it sound like New York is headed down the path of a city like Venice.
Is New York City the next Venice?
Based on the research I have done in my previous IDC class and on the readings, it seems as though New York City will be headed down the same path as Venice. People seem to be unaware about how serious climate change is and are not taking actions in trying to find ways to adapt to such conditions that will be very crucial in the future. The fact that the temperatures that are “typical” in New York City will be similar to Virginia is something that worries me in the future. If New York City is the next Venice, the important districts in New York City such as the financial district, will eventually have to be relocated to an area that will not affected by the rise of sea levels in the near future. People that live by the shorelines will have to retreat and relocate to areas more inland in order to protect themselves from rising sea levels from destroying their homes. Having all these people retreat from the areas that will be affected will be a big issue and it will be an issue of whether people will actually move from their homes to be inland or if they will refuse to move.
Although the focus of this class and previous IDC classes are New York City, we seem to be forgetting that these climate changes, wether as dramatic as the article predicts or not, will affect surrounding areas as well. Not only is sea level predicted to rise, but the increased amount of rainfall, heat waves and storms would force the entire tri-state area to deal with extremity and intensity. These challenges are not something that the city will or should be solving alone. It would be more logical and efficient to work with other groups to find resolutions- despite the politics that seem like obstacles.
Another thing, when comparing NYC to Venice, where we can see the heavy resistance of people to leave their homes, it is hard to convince oneself that when the right storm comes, New Yorkers will brace themselves and relocate. When it comes down to it, people are stubborn. Perhaps the people on the first few floors will feel an urge to leave, but if New York begins to sink, I think the people here will find a way to float rather than abandon their homes.