REMARKS
Council Member Sandy Nurse discusses climate change impacts and proposes cool pavement pilot project
0:24:22
ยท
4 min
Council Member Sandy Nurse addresses the urgent need for climate change mitigation in New York City, focusing on the urban heat island effect. She proposes a cool pavement pilot project as a solution to reduce surface temperatures and improve public health in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods.
- Highlights recent climate milestones and New York City's increasing temperatures
- Discusses the benefits of cool pavement, including heat reduction and improved street safety
- Shares insights from San Antonio's cool pavement pilot program and its positive results
- Proposes a pilot project in four heat-vulnerable neighborhoods in New York City
Sandy Nurse
0:24:22
Good morning, and thank you, chair.
0:24:26
On January 10th, climate scientists confirmed a sobering milestone, which is that the earth's average temperature has surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre industrial levels for the first time in recorded history, and this terrible milestone signals a point of no return for our planet and will lead to untold devastation and suffering.
0:24:46
New York City is the nation's largest urban heat island and exemplifies the urgent need for action.
0:24:53
On an average summer, our average summer high temperature is already 5 degrees above what it was 50 years ago, and without significant interventions and emissions reductions, projections indicate an additional increase of 3.5 degrees by 2063.
0:25:09
While reducing our reliance on fossil fuel is essential, we must also implement policies that can mitigate the immediate effects of our warming climate.
0:25:20
With 6,000 miles of asphalt, New York City street absorb and radiate heat often making the city feel up to 8 degrees hotter.
0:25:28
This exacerbates the risk of heat related illnesses and contributes to the growing annual average of 350 heat related deaths.
0:25:38
Data from the Oh, the Department of Health Heat Vulnerability Index highlight the severe risk in communities like mine, Brownsville, East New York, Bushwick, and Cypress Hills, which rank among the highest for heat vulnerability.
0:25:52
Eastern Queens and much of the Bronx also face significant risks.
0:25:56
This data, provides roadmap for where DOT could and should prioritize cool pavement pilot projects.
0:26:05
Reducing beyond reducing heat, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, cool pavement offers additional benefits, including decreased storm water runoff, improved water quality, enhanced street safety, and better nighttime visibility depending on the treatment.
0:26:21
Moreover, cool pavement treatments could also improve commercial activity where you are able to achieve the, cool corridor effect.
0:26:30
Last summer, I I visited the San Antonio Department of Transportation and observed their cool, pavement pilot program.
0:26:38
And with just a $1,000,000 investment, they piloted various products, costing approximately $14 per yard across 10 districts covering a mile.
0:26:49
So I think they did a block, one block in 10 districts.
0:26:53
They collaborated with the University of Texas at San Antonio Civil Engineering and Environmental Departments, and it yielded impressive results.
0:27:01
A single treated block reduced surface temperatures by 10 degrees and ambient temperatures by 3 degrees, just on a single block.
0:27:11
And although humidity sensitivity was noted, it was believed that increased demand could drive the development of more resilient treatments that would be, more, less sensitive to humidity.
0:27:26
Notably, products like the GAF, and I don't know how to say it properly, Reclimate have shown promise in handling winter conditions like salt use and extending asphalt life.
0:27:37
San Antonio and New York City are very different.
0:27:40
We have an expansive tree canopy which provides some relief.
0:27:44
However, many areas lack sufficient green cover making them ideal candidates for a cool pavement pilot, And frankly, we also cannot guarantee that our current city tree scape will hold up as ongoing extinction events across the world negatively impact our local biodiversity.
0:28:03
Fighting climate change means mitigation, adaptation, and most importantly resiliency.
0:28:08
So, integrating multiple layers of heat mitigation into our landscapes will be critical for New Yorkers with chronic health issues and vulnerabilities to enjoy public space for as long as possible.
0:28:21
The pilot is is calling for 4 a pilot in, 4 heat vulnerable neighborhoods.
0:28:26
I'm eager to hear your thoughts on this.
0:28:29
I have a lot of questions based on your feedback.
0:28:31
I am I apologize that we weren't able to connect before this hearing.
0:28:35
So I understand this will be, like, a cold conversation, but, looking forward to to talking more.
0:28:41
Thank you.
0:28:41
Thank you, chair.