Most discussion of making NYC more sustainable focuses on climate change, either lessening our contributions to it, or adapting to its future effects. Government ability to respond to climate change, while urgently needed, was limited before the 2010 midterm elections, and is even more constrained now. Green initiatives and programs to reduce energy use are more likely to engage public and political support when framed as ways to lower costs now, reduce the economic impacts when energy costs increase in the near future, and create local green jobs.

Let’s expand the discussion to making our communities more resilient to disruptions, and preparations for the era of greater volatility in oil price and supply that’s around the corner.  According to a British business task force, the US military, and many other expert observers, serious volatility in oil price and supply is expected before 2015.

With neither NYC government officials nor media addressing the issue, the opportunity to prepare beforehand – making NYC both more sustainable and more resilient – may be lost.   How can we enlist a critical mass of NYC civic and government leaders in this expanded discussing, promote ways to respond that are both practically effective and politically viable?

Follow the link for the report, "Sustainable Energy Independence for NYC." issued to NYC government leaders in 2008. A redesign of this website is underway. 

Other resources:

Energy Bulletin
Post Carbon Institute
350.org
 
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WHY START PREPARING FOR HIGHER FUEL PRICES NOW?...11/22/2010.