New York Must Prepare for Global Warming

New York City must prepare for higher temperatures, more rain and an increased risk of coastal flooding in the coming decades as a result of global climate change, an advisory panel said on Tuesday.

City officials said that to prepare for the expected effects of climate change, the city should plan to keep cooling centers for people without air-conditioning open longer during heat waves, move critical equipment in city buildings above sea level and incorporate climate changes into the design of buildings, among other measures.

Higher temperatures could mean more brownouts and blackouts in the summer because of heavier electricity use on hot days, panel members said, and more flooding of streets and basements from intense rainstorms.

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