Saving New York from Climate Change

A United Nations report this month sounded the alarm that humanity has just 12 years to dramatically cut fossil-fuel pollution and move to renewable energy to avoid a tipping point that will radically change New York as we know it. We're talking flooded subway systems, the Atlantic Ocean reclaiming entire neighborhoods such as the Financial District and Red Hook, and an increase in extreme weather events like Superstorm Sandy.

The report says we have precious little time to take this bold action if the world wants to preserve cities like New York.

Unfortunately, we are facing this dangerous and rapidly changing climate at a time when our federal government is increasingly hostile to the environment. Less than a week after the report was released, President Donald Trump on "60 Minutes" refused yet again to accept the facts about climate change science. With Washington unwilling or unable to act, we need a breakthrough on climate change at the state level.

The UN report states again that we must move the world to 100% renewable energy. Currently, New York is only at 4%. Clearly, more needs to be done. But we can get there and that starts by passing the Climate and Community Protection Act.

The CCPA transitions New York's entire economy (not just electricity generation) to 100% renewable energy, so that we are free from fossil fuels by 2050. This is as bold a move as it is necessary, and if done right, it will positively affect every New Yorker.

We will create countless jobs, have fair labor standards, build solar arrays, promote resilience plans and ensure that all New Yorkers benefit from this transition. As we do, the CCPA will further prioritize investment in frontline communities and communities of color, which have disproportionately felt the effects of a changing climate.

New York has the opportunity to show the country and the world how to lead on climate, while creating jobs and protecting communities in our state. The good news is that the CCPA is very close to becoming law. The Assembly has passed this bill for the past three years and this year a majority of senators signed on to co-sponsor it.

We have the opportunity to reverse the effects of climate change and of racial and economic injustice at the same time. Shame on us if we don’t take it.