Survival in our cities. This is what seemed like a compelling story. How does a massive city like New York reconcile those agendas? With such high concentrations of people: buildings, cars, public transportation, and even the competing agendas of capitalism and environmental awareness, this seemed like an issue worthy of exploration.
Constructing and retrofitting sustainable buildings are the most effective ways to reducing the pollution and carbon emissions in New York City. There are many aspects of the story yet to be uncovered. What technologies exist to do this? Which ones have been implemented so far? What are the factors that make policy so hard to achieve, and why are people resisting these changes?
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is serious in his efforts to in making the city sustainable. He has put in place initiatives towards environmental sustainability – ubiquitious new bike lanes, making Broadway in Times Square an open pedestrian space, and requiring hybrid models for all new taxis and buses.
But the sacred cow of the Bloomberg administration is real estate development. This is the one place where he can truly make a difference in cutting carbon. Last week he folded on an initiative for all new constructions to be environmentally sustainable and energy efficient.
We want the leaders at the COP 15 conference in Copenhagen to realize that many of us, living simply as citizens and working towards sustainable solutions, are already building a sustainable future. Pushing for an agreement that curbs emissions worldwide emissions may empower civil society by giving them the space to develop these initiatives.
These solutions are positive steps in a direction that’s absolutely necessary for our economy and for our survival.
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