New data is showing a link between social issues and global warming, prompting a closer look at how issues like poverty, chronic health conditions, and language barriers can exacerbate the impact of climate change. In New York City, neighborhoods that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change share common characteristics such as poverty, congestion, histories of redlining or industrial pollution, and a high percentage of residents for whom English is a second language. Efforts like the U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index and an interactive map published by the New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice are helping to identify the most vulnerable regions in the city.
One example of a vulnerable community is the South Bronx, where extreme heat is a major issue due to factors like high levels of poverty and rates of chronic health conditions. Residents, predominantly Black or Hispanic, face challenges like asthma, obesity, and potential risks for diabetes and heart disease. The area’s exposure to pollutants from the Cross-Bronx Expressway has created a cycle of difficulties for residents, affecting everything from health to education and job prospects. Efforts are being made to address these issues, including plans to cover parts of the expressway with parks and amenities.
Red Hook, Brooklyn, a low-lying waterfront neighborhood plagued by industrial history and flooding, is facing challenges related to a shortage of trees. Trees provide numerous benefits such as stormwater buffering, air filtration, and carbon storage, but the high water table and dense clay soil in Red Hook make it difficult for trees to thrive. Efforts have been made to plant trees in the neighborhood, and local organizations are working to care for existing trees. A community garden has also provided a valuable resource for residents, offering fresh produce and a sense of community.
In Edgemere, Queens, residents are grappling with a lack of access to fresh produce due to being in a food desert, compounded by frequent flooding from the Atlantic Ocean and Jamaica Bay. A community garden has been a lifeline for residents like Shantae Johnson, offering a source of fresh food and a sense of community. Efforts are underway to improve amenities in the area, with plans for a grocery store to open in the future as part of a mixed-use affordable housing complex.
In Throgs Neck, the Bronx, the need for English classes and information access is crucial for a community with limited public transit and a high percentage of non-English speakers. The local library plays a critical role in providing resources and assistance to residents, but budget cuts have impacted their ability to serve the community effectively. The demand for library services in underserved areas like Throgs Neck underscores the importance of adequate funding and support for these crucial community resources.
In East Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the legacy of toxins from oil refineries and a large liquefied natural gas storage facility present ongoing risks for residents. Concerns about groundwater pollution, the presence of toxic substances like coal tar, and the potential dangers of storing liquefied gas have fueled community activism against the facility. While the company that owns the site argues that it meets safety regulations and provides energy reliability, activists are calling for more accountability and transparency in assessing the economic and environmental impacts of the facility. Efforts to shut down the site and transition to cleaner, safer energy sources are ongoing amid challenges related to infrastructure upgrades and rate hikes.
