Accelerating Climate Solutions in New York City and Beyond with Dr. Stephen Hammer, CEO of the New York Climate Exchange
The Vision of the New York Climate Exchange
The New York Climate Exchange, located on Governor’s Island, is a unique initiative aimed at fostering climate innovation and education. Dr. Steven Hammer describes the exchange as a “think tank” combined with a “do tank,” where academic thought and practical solutions meet. The exchange is designed to serve as a hub that brings together universities, major corporations, and community organizations to tackle the most pressing climate challenges facing New York City and the world.
By merging education, research, and applied action, the New York Climate Exchange aims to move beyond theoretical discussions into real-world climate solutions. This initiative focuses on issues such as climate adaptation, energy efficiency, and environmental justice, with the goal of creating impactful outcomes for both local and global communities.
Governor’s Island: A Living Laboratory for Climate Solutions
Dr. Hammer emphasizes the significance of Governor’s Island as the ideal location for the New York Climate Exchange. Spanning 175 acres, Governor’s Island is a former military base that now serves as a space for innovation, recreation, and scientific research. The New York Climate Exchange occupies 12 acres of the island and is transforming it into a “living laboratory” where climate data is gathered and used to test real-world solutions.
Photo courtesy: www.billionoysterproject.org
One example of this hands-on approach is the exchange’s partnership with the Billion Oyster Project, which aims to restore oyster populations in New York Harbor as a natural method for improving water quality and harbor biodiversity. Oyster reefs provide a habitat for hundreds of species, and can protect the city from storm damage by softening the impact of large waves, reducing flooding, and preventing erosion along the shorelines. This project is not only beneficial for the environment but also serves as a community engagement tool, involving students and businesses in climate action through activities such as oyster shell sorting and planting.
Collaboration Across Sectors: A Diverse Approach to Climate Action
The New York Climate Exchange is built on collaboration. Dr. Hammer highlights how the exchange brings together diverse groups, including universities, businesses, and local organizations, to address climate change from various perspectives. With 12 universities and major corporations already involved, the exchange facilitates dialogue between policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders, all working toward practical solutions.
Dr. Hammer explains that while large-scale climate policy is often abstract, the exchange allows for a more localized approach. For example, the New York Climate Exchange is working with building owners and managers to meet New York City’s new law requiring building decarbonization by mid-century. The exchange is working to tackle issues like flooding and stormwater management, which are increasingly affecting neighborhoods in New York City.
Environmental Justice: Engaging Marginalized Communities
Another crucial element of Dr. Hammer’s work at the New York Climate Exchange is focusing on environmental justice. He acknowledges the long-standing inequities faced by marginalized communities, particularly in neighborhoods historically burdened with pollution and inadequate infrastructure. Dr. Hammer explains that the exchange is committed to bringing these communities to the table and ensuring their voices are heard in the climate conversation.
The exchange aims to address environmental inequalities by expanding climate literacy and engaging youth in advocacy efforts. Additionally, the New York Climate Exchange plans to support projects that improve infrastructure in underserved areas, such as increasing tree canopy coverage to combat heat and improving stormwater management systems to prevent flooding.
Through its diverse partnerships and hands-on approach, the exchange is poised to make a lasting impact, not just in New York City, but across the globe.
