Climate Change Adaptation: Fostering Progress Through Law and Regulation

Using New York City as an example, and drawing on work done by the New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC), this article discusses additional measures the city can take to prepare for climate change impacts. According to the authors, this article focuses on "the use of law to foster and to remove impediments to adaptation," and provides suggestions that are intended to further the City’s planning process, as well as represent areas of possible consideration for other municipalities.

Potential policy options are examined within the following areas: zoning, environmental impact reviews, green building efforts, water regulation, regulation of transportation networks, air quality, telecommunication networks, brownfields and hazardous waste issues, and emergency preparedness. The article also discussed the utilization of financial assurance mechanisms, and identifies U.S. constitutional law concerns pertaining to local authority to pass laws or promulgate regulations. Lastly, a summary of U.S. funding streams and funding mechanisms that can be explored to finance adaptation are provided.

Publication Date: 2010

Authors or Affiliated Users:

  • Edna Sussman
  • David C. Major
  • Rachel Deming
  • Pamela R. Esterman
  • Adeeb Fadil
  • Amy Fisher
  • Fred Fucci
  • Roberta Gordon
  • Caroline Harris
  • J. Kevin Healy
  • Cullen Howe
  • Kathy Robb
  • Jeff Smith

Related Organizations:

  • SussmanADR LLC

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Resource Types:

  • Policy analysis/recommendations

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