Climate Change Attorney Blog
Earlier this year the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a “Climate Change Program Assessment and Action Plan“. The DEP provides management of the drinking water, drainage and waste water for the City of New York. The DEP describes the Plan in a report which “summarizes this substantial process of analysis and action and outlines a comprehensive adaptation strategy for DEP as it prepares for a warmer and more volatile future.”
The report notes an expected increase in average annual temperature in New York City and its watershed area of 7.5% to 10% and an increase in sea level of 15.7 to 17.7 inches by the 2080s with increased frequency of extreme weather events. The Plan addresses action to be taken to protect the City’s drinking water and waste water systems. In addition, to various activities to monitor and prepare for the effects of storms and sea level changes the Plan proposes certain proactive activities. The DEP will be leading the City’s actions to reduce the production of greenhouse gases (GHGs) by the City government with an announced goal of a reduction to 30% below 2006 emission levels by 2017.