On June 11, 2007, MAS in conjunction with the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance hosted a groundbreaking expert panel focusing on the measure New York City should undertake in order to adapt to global climate change.

According to Columbia University’s Center for Climate Systems Research, the sea-level around New York City may rise more than two feet by the year 2080. In addition, “flooding by major storms would inundate many low-lying neighborhoods and shut down the metropolitan transportation system with much greater frequency.” Increases in average temperature in the same period are predicted to be between 4 and 10 degrees. The impact on the city’s infrastructure will be profound.

The panel included climatologist Dr. Radley Horton of Columbia University’s Center for Climate Systems Research, Michael A. Fishman, Associate Director of Halcrow New York, Laurie Kerr, Senior Policy Advisor in the Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability; Dr. Kevin J. Phillips, principal and hydrologist, FPM Group LTd., and Michael Gerrard, Partner, Arnold & Porter.

To learn more about the ways in which New York City should adapt to global climate change, click on the following links to view each of the panelists’ powerpoint presentations:

• Dr. Radley Horton
• Michael A. Fishman
• Laurie Kerr
• Dr. Kevin J. Phillips
• Michael Gerrard

Video footage of the evening will be added to this page soon.