A 'Climate Change Laboratory' on Governors Island

New York City is seeking proposals for transforming Governors Island into a "living laboratory" for climate change resilience.

1 minute read

October 9, 2019, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Governors Island

R.A.R. de Bruijn Holding BV / Shutterstock

Christopher Flavelle reports:

Since 2003, however, when the federal government turned control over to New York City, under the condition that it not be used for residential housing, it has been an island in search of a purpose — and in search of a source of revenue to pay for its upkeep.

Now, the city has a new idea: transforming one of its last big chunks of developable land — as much as 4.2 million square feet on the southern half of the island, which New York wants to rezone for commercial and educational use — into a “living laboratory” for coping with the effects of climate change.

The timeline for the request for proposals is short: six weeks until the city wants to see "pitch decks" to sell the idea to potential foundations, universities, and corporate partners. The article includes more details on the intended goals of the project sought by the city.

Sunday, October 6, 2019 in The New York Times

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A swamp in South Carolina with tall pale trees and Spanish moss in the water.

Satanic Place Names

From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.

2 hours ago - The Daily Yonder

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight