NYC'S GREEN PROGRAM TO BEAT THE HEAT
11 Jul 2017
Following a three-day heat wave, the mayor of New York City has announced that $100 Million USD will be allocated to using green means to combat the city’s urban heat-island effect.
The program has been dubbed Cool Neighbourhoods NYC and will focus on several methods of greening the city. 80% of the funding will see large trees planted in the South Bronx, Central Brooklyn, and Northern Manhattan, while plans for a green outfit of 2.7 million square feet of public and private rooftops will be prioritised in local council development.
These same areas will see rooftops painted white to absorb heat, while other areas will benefit from $16 million in funding that will deliver increased tree-planting in public parks. Finally, reforestation efforts across the five boroughs that make up the city will be allocated another $7 million in funding.
The remainder of the Cool Neighborhoods investment will go toward things like educational campaigns that seek to reduce heat and pollution borne ailments and illnesses.
Senior research scientist, Ben Orlove, from the International Research Institute for Climate and Society has recognised the initiative for its “multiple approaches to reducing the heat island effect and looking to reduce the vulnerability of people who are most affected by heat waves,” he said.
It is hoped that the cities influence in the realm of public design and culture will help other areas realise the benefits of greening urban spaces and continue the trend in their own locations.
