Padmi Ranasinghe is invited to present at the "Climate Change, Biodiversity and the Political Process", an Urban study program at the City College of New York (CUNY). Her topic will be Eco Urbanism for Urban Resilience: Nature Based Solutions for Climate-Ready Communities in New York City on 9 July 2026.
Abstract:
Cities are major greenhouse gas sources and climate hotspots, facing intensifying climate change impacts, including flooding, extreme heat, drought, and sea level rise. Per area, per person, climate impact is high in densely populated cities. Especially in waterfront or delta cities like New York City, where vulnerability and exposure to climate hazards are further elevated. Nature based Solutions (NbS) are essential for climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience. Blue-green infrastructure, green infrastructure, urban forestry, wetlands, and water-sensitive urban design can enhance urban biodiversity while cooling cities, managing stormwater, keeping local water bodies clean, sequestering atmospheric carbon, and enhancing public health. NbS planning and policy should be integrated with climate justice and spatial equity concepts to benefit all communities and people across the city. On the other hand, "greening" and revitalizations can drive green gentrification, raise rents, and displace communities of color. So, equitable, justice centered planning, policy, and governance mechanisms are essential for urban climate resilience.
