.png)
East Harlem is grappling with severe climate change impacts, worsened by a history of structural oversaturation and inequalities. The East Harlem Climate and Community Master Plan seeks to address these disparities through innovative green infrastructure solutions like green roof bus shelters. These efforts aim to foster a more sustainable and equitable community. Collaborative efforts with local organizations and authorities are crucial in bringing this vision to life.
Addressing Climate Inequities in East Harlem
East Harlem faces the brunt of climate change, with a concrete-heavy landscape that exacerbates climate impacts. A recent study revealed that East Harlem experiences surface temperatures over thirty degrees hotter than wealthier neighborhoods like the Upper West Side. This extreme heat disproportionately affects Black and Latinx communities, leading to 50% of heat-related deaths among Black New Yorkers, despite them comprising only 25% of the population.
The East Harlem Climate and Community Master Plan
The East Harlem Climate and Community Master Plan offers hope for addressing these environmental disparities. Supported by federal and state climate funding, the plan is a comprehensive initiative aimed at cooling the built environment, enhancing community resilience, and preserving cultural identity through green infrastructure and smart urban design. Among the proposed solutions is the integration of green roofs on bus shelters along 125th Street.
Innovative Green Roof Bus Shelters
Green roof bus shelters present a practical response to East Harlem's challenges. These shelters provide artificial shade for pedestrians and transit riders. Additionally, this initiative filters pollutants like PM2.5 and sequesters carbon dioxide. The shelters aim to foster urban biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of extreme rainfall that often leads to flooding.
Benefits of Green Roofs
Green roofs are vegetated rooftops that offer multiple benefits. They act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater and reducing flood risk, a recurrent issue in East Harlem due to its low-lying geography. Crucially, they combat heat by cooling the surrounding air through evapotranspiration, where plants release water vapor. This cooling effect creates a more comfortable environment for commuters and residents alike. Additionally, green roofs filter air pollutants and absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment.
Community Collaboration and Future Prospects
Collaboration with community partners, including environmental organizations, health advocates, local authorities, and the Harlem Neighborhood Block Association, are vital for realizing this vision. The pilot green roof bus shelter represents a step toward a better future for East Harlem, demonstrating a commitment to addressing both climate change and social inequities.