SNRE Professor Rosina M. Bierbaum spoke to the Associated Press about climate adaptation strategies in light of a proposal from New York City to keep that city ahead of future climate-related challenges.

"Climate change poses significant risks to New York City’s communities and infrastructure," according to a report released June 11, 2013, by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "Hurricane Sandy has focused attention on the effects that extreme climate events have on New York City, reminding New Yorkers that the city is vulnerable to a range of climate hazards today and in the future.

In her interview with Seth Borenstein of the Associated Press, Bierbaum says: "It's quite striking how much is going on at the municipal level," she said. "Communities have to operate in real time. Everybody is struggling with a climate that is no longer the climate of the past."

Still, Bierbaum said, "Many of the other developed countries have gone way ahead of us in preparing for climate change. In many ways, the U.S. may be playing catch-up."

Online resources:

• Federal government's National Climate Assessment chapter on adaptation: http://1.usa.gov/154qUGs
• The national mayors' efforts to promote adaptation: http://www.resilientamerica.org