Opinion: Help New York’s Students Learn From the Past to Build our Climate Future

In 2021, Hurricane Ida slammed into New York City and much of the northeast. Over three inches of rain fell in just one hour in Central Park, leading the National Weather Service to issue its first-ever Flash Flood Emergency warning for the five boroughs. Subways were submerged, basements were flooded and at least 16 city residents died. With climate change accelerating, such massive storms are likely to become more frequent and more devastating. No one is more at risk from the impacts of our changing climate than under-resourced Black and Brown communities.

Fortunately, New York is also home to the Adirondack Park, a national treasure that will play a central role in our effort to combat climate change. As state lawmakers, it is our duty to guard and preserve this treasure. It is also our duty to ensure that state residents understand its value and benefit from its amazing natural wonders, while also preparing young people for careers in environmental justice.

That is why we are proposing a bill to fund a Timbuctoo Summer Climate and Careers Institute that will give New York City students a chance to experience life and make career choices inside the Adirondack Park—in a way that prepares them to cope with a changing climate and work for social equity.