A report from the Regional Plan Association maps out what might happen under 1, 3, and 6 feet of sea level rise. In the worst cases, several dense and populated regions are affected.
Using methodology developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, RPA's study "outlines the impact that 1, 3 and 6 feet of sea level rise could have on the [New York] region and the immediate actions that policymakers and residents should take to protect our region's most vulnerable places."
While beach communities along Long Island and the Jersey Shore often come to mind, flooding could impact populated areas throughout greater New York. Emily Thenhaus writes, "The communities of the Rockaways, Jamaica Bay and Coney Island are among the most threatened in New York City. With 6 feet of sea level rise, a possibility as soon as early next century, much of the Rockaway peninsula could be underwater."
Rising seas may also threaten the New Jersey Meadowlands if steps aren't taken. JFK airport is mostly protected from the brunt of the floods, but LaGuardia's runways are vulnerable.
There's more to come from RPA on the region's environmental future. "The study is a component of RPA's fourth regional plan, which will be released in 2017 and will put forth policies and proposals to mitigate climate change and confront its effects."
FULL STORY: Under Water: How Sea Level Rise Threatens the Tri-State Region
Life With Climate Change: A 100-Year Storm Every Year
The extreme weather events and sea-level rise of the relatively near future will overwhelm storm and flood infrastructure with startling regularity, according to new research.
New York Flood Control Plan Takes Lessons From the Dutch
The Netherlands has a long history of flood mitigation. U.S. cities, threatened by coastal flooding and erosion, are taking note.
Opinion: One Solution to Manhattan's Land Shortage: Just Build It
A New York Times op-ed calls on the city to add landfill development on Manhattan's southern shoreline, claiming it would increase affordability and protect the city from rising sea levels.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Podcast: Addressing the Root Causes of Transit Violence
Deploying transit police is a short-term fix. How can transit agencies build sustainable safety efforts?
Minneapolis as a Model for Housing Affordability
Through a combination of policies, the city has managed to limit the severity of the nationwide housing crisis.
Indy Bikeshare System Turns 10, Expands to E-Bikes
Pacers Bikeshare riders logged over 700,000 rides since the system launched in 2014.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
