ABSTRACT
Over the past three decades, the global mean temperature has increased due to natural and anthropogenic factors. In the United States, the average temperature has risen by over 2°F since 1970. At the same time, precipitation has increased an average of 5%, sea level has risen, and drastic weather events (e.g., hurricanes) happen more frequently (Karl et al., 2009). As the effects of climate change continue to impact urban areas, the projections for the city of New York are an increase in average temperature of 1.5°F to 3°F by the 2020s; 3°F to 5.5°F by the 2050s; and 4°F to 9°F by 2080. These temperatures will vary accordingly to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions level (DeGaetano and Tryhorn, 2011) and will directly impact New Yorkers and their health.
