Climate Change Task Force (PlanNYC)
This interagency task force is working to expand adaptation strategies beyond the protection of our water supply, sewer and wastewater treatment systems to include all essential city infrastructure. The task force is working with all stakeholders -- with a special emphasis on vulnerable neighborhoods -- in community-specific climate adaptation strategies. The task force is also working to update NY's Federal Emergency Management Administration 100-year floodplain maps, amend the building code to address the impacts of climate change and document the City's floodplain management strategies to secure discounted flood insurance for New Yorkers.

Sea Level Rise Task Force (NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation)
The Sea Level Rise Task Force was created in 2007 by the New York State Legislature to assess impacts to the state's coastlines from rising seas and recommend protective and adaptive measures. Its report is due to the Legislature by December 31, 2009.

Advancing Climate Justice: Transforming the Economy, Public Health and Our Environment (WE ACT for Environmental Justice)
This was a two-day conference sponsored by WE ACT for Environmental Justice that focused on the fact that our region's most vulnerable populations may likely bear the brunt of the negative affects of climate change.

The energy and excitement at the WE ACT conference and the infectious energy and wisdom of Cynthia Rosenzweig, who represents the PlaNYC Climate Change Task Force, hold the first clues of how to arrive at the best adaptation strategies.