Though renowned for its skyscrapers and other feats in engineering, New York City’s rapid development has contributed to great ecological loss. On September 24, 2019, CUNY Law’s Center for Urban and Environmental Reform (CUER) hosted a panel discussion to address steps the community can take to approach this growing problem as a part of Climate Week NYC.
Representatives of the New York Botanical Garden, New York City Department of City Planning, Terrapin Bright Green, and the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance convened to discuss the main question of the night: “How can development and conservation and coexist?”
Moderated by New York City Council Member Justin Brannan, the panel quickly grew into a lively discussion about the work panelists have done for green initiatives and advocacy, what they have learned in the process of their work, and how others in the community can extend advocacy and action to those around us.
Panelists included: Daniel Atha, Director of Conservation Outreach at the New York Botanical Garden; Brendan Pillar, Deputy Director of Waterfront and Open Space at New York City Department of City Planning; Bill Browning, Environmental Strategist and Founding Partner at Terrapin Bright Green; and Annel Hernandez, Associate Director at the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance.
Among the first topics of discussion was what a sustainable New York should look like. Pillar said, “New York is growing more than before. We can harness the growth of this city to enable key investments in green infrastructure and solutions.” Hernandez echoed Pillar’s points, adding that “The city sees success with nature-based solutions that target stormwater management, urban greenery, and community spaces. Such solutions should be advanced.” Hernandez additionally remarked that while the city and government have good intentions, community organizations are doing remarkably more effective jobs. But the municipal investments integral to the city’s long-term conservation goals, simply aren’t being made.
Each panelist touched on the role of youth in reversing the course of our current actions. Pillar stressed that “creating human connections to the waterfront creates new stewardship for its sustainability and conservation. This is especially [the case] with the city’s youth.” Such approaches also change the urgency and importance adults have the potential to feel. Daniel Atha remarked, “Thinking about how we can help people engage with nature helps create an invested population. It becomes a personal investment with the state of the built environment.”
In discussing issues like sustainability and development, our guests conveyed that not only are there strides being made but that there is significant work ahead of the city and its lawmakers if we want to ensure a healthy and bright future for New York City.