Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Elizabeth McMillan, Member of WE ACT for Environmental Justice
1:37:51
ยท
129 sec
Elizabeth McMillan, a member of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, testified in support of the cooling center program and Introduction 998. She emphasized the critical importance of cooling centers for low-income New Yorkers during increasingly frequent and severe extreme heat events.
- McMillan highlighted the urban heat island effect in New York City, which exacerbates heat issues in urban areas.
- She cited the New York City Panel on Climate Change 2019 report, which predicts an increase in hot days.
- McMillan urged the City Council to pass Introduction 998 and provide adequate funding for the cooling center program.
Elizabeth McMillan
1:37:51
Hello.
1:37:52
My name is Elizabeth McMillan.
1:37:54
I'm a member of WEAC for environmental justice and I live in City Council District 9.
1:38:00
I want to thank the committee chair, Shulman, for hearing my testimony and support for equitable climate policy.
1:38:07
The cooling center program is a critical safety net for low income New Yorkers during extreme heat events.
1:38:14
The last two years recorded the hottest global temperatures in history.
1:38:19
Extreme heat events are becoming hotter, longer and more frequent.
1:38:24
And with so many New Yorkers struggling to pay utility bills, the cooling center program is the essential part of the solution for our most vulnerable population.
1:38:34
In my neighborhood, the cooling center program needs more support because extreme heat events are increasing in frequency, severity, and duration in New York City.
1:38:43
Cities such as New York are seeing more severe extreme heat events than surrounding areas not only due to climate change but because of the contribution of the urban heat island effect in which cities experience much hotter temperatures than surrounding suburban or rural areas due to the prominence of closely placed buildings that radiate heat.
1:39:06
High vehicle traffic, concentrated building emissions, and less heat absorbing vegetation.
1:39:12
The New York City panel on climate change NPCC two thousand and nineteen report found that the number of hot days has and will continue to increase in frequency, duration, and severities.
1:39:25
Introduction nine nine eight will significantly improve the accessibility and use of cooling centers in my neighborhood, providing a much needed refuge for those who are most at risk from extreme heat.
1:39:39
That is why I strongly urge the city council to pass the legislation.
1:39:43
We also hope that the city council will prioritize the cooling center program with adequate funding.
1:39:50
The objectives laid out in this bill can only be realized if the city reinforces climate disaster response goals and financial support.
1:39:58
Thank you for your consideration.