Adapt the region’s infrastructure systems

The risks from climate change and other 21st century threats will further challenge the resiliency of the city’s aging infrastructure for years to come. The City aims to adapt infrastructure systems in the city and across the region to withstand the impacts of climate change, to ensure the continuity of critical services in an emergency, and to recover more quickly from service outages. The City is already implementing a robust portfolio of infrastructure-based recovery and resiliency initiatives as part of a more than $20 billion climate resiliency program—which will reach nearly $30 billion with additional spending by other regional partners. The City also coordinates closely with its partners in the energy, telecommunications, and transportation sectors across the region to facilitate planning for and investment in the resiliency of their assets.

Project Stage

Development & Testing

Last update: October 05, 2023

Overview Contributors

Challenge

lack of continued services from infrastructure systems

Description

Transportation: The city’s transportation network is vital to helping New Yorkers recover after a disruptive event. Water, Sewer, and Waste: The city’s sewer system can be overwhelmed by heavy downpours that exceed the system’s design capacity, creating flooding and sewer backups, as well as by storm surges. Energy: The city’s underground and overhead energy distribution systems are vulnerable to floodwaters and high winds, as are electricity- and steam-generating facilities and liquid fuel refinery and distribution terminals. Telecommunications: The ability to communicate reliably is critical, especially in an emergency. Social Infrastructure: Infrastructure that strengthens communities, such as hospitals, community centers, libraries, and schools, can enhance social resiliency and assist in immediate response after a disruptive event. Each of these systems requires a specific set of activities to ensure the resiliency of the city.

SDGs