Environmental veteran takes on resilience in face of increasing downpours
In the wake of Superstorm Sandy in 2012, New York City has been actively addressing storm surge issues, but progress has been slower than anticipated. The city's efforts are primarily guided by the Harbor and Tributaries Study (HAT), a collaborative initiative involving the federal government, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the states of New Jersey and New York, and New York City itself.
The HAT study, however, does not offer a comprehensive solution to the threat of storm surges. While it does propose limited use of storm surge barriers, more extensive protection would require cooperation from multiple entities. Unfortunately, effective collaboration has been a challenge, as the involved parties do not always work together seamlessly.
The HAT study does not provide a complete solution for knowing the current threatening danger from storm surges. This leaves the city vulnerable, as another major storm could result in billions of dollars in losses. To mitigate this risk, New York City has been implementing measures such as upgrading drainage infrastructure, expanding green spaces and wetlands for better rainwater absorption, installing flood barriers, and enhancing early warning systems. These efforts are part of broader climate resilience strategies to reduce urban flood risks.
Despite these efforts, the city does not have the resources to build all the necessary infrastructure for storm surge protection. It will require cooperation from federal, state, and local entities to ensure the city is adequately protected. Some have suggested that a storm surge barrier across New York Harbor from New York City to New Jersey could offer significant protection, but this is not currently part of the HAT study's proposals.
In conclusion, while New York City has made strides in addressing storm surge issues, more needs to be done. The city's vulnerability to another major storm surge remains, and it may take another such event and the subsequent billions of dollars in losses to prompt more serious action on storm surge protection.
