Thriving Together: Tackling NYC’s Ecological Challenges 

On October 4, 2024, the AIANY Civic Leadership Program (CLP) hosted Thriving Together: Tackling NYC’s Ecological Challenges, an insightful round table exploring the role of biodiversity in enhancing New York City’s resilience. Led by Silvia Vercher Pons, AIA, Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman, and Julia Fruithandler, AIA, Urban Planner at Arcadis, the session encouraged designers, academics, politicians, and citizens to incorporate ecological awareness deeply into their work. Highlighting biodiversity as an essential buffer against climate change, the event underscored its benefits in providing food, medicine, mental health, economic growth, and potential future resilience. Attendees gained a multifaceted understanding of biodiversity as a critical part of sustainable urban development, as speakers emphasized the role of interconnected systems in building a truly resilient future for New York City. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Historical Ecology as a Foundation for Resilience
  Dr. Eric Sanderson, Vice President of Urban Conservation Strategy at the New York Botanical Gardens, discussed the need for historical ecological knowledge in shaping sustainable urban development. Drawing on his seminal work, Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City, Dr. Sanderson illustrated how New York City’s pre-settlement ecosystems can guide today’s planning efforts by revealing critical ecologically significant areas. Understanding the city’s ecological past, he argued, is essential for shaping an adaptable and resilient future that respects the natural foundations of the urban environment.
• Bees as Key Indicators of Urban Health
  Sarah Kornbluth, Field Associate in Invertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History, focused on bees as vital indicators of ecosystem health. With over 200 bee species in New York City, Kornbluth emphasized how bee populations signal broader ecological wellbeing. Through her research on urban pollinators, she stressed the importance of protecting wild spaces and pollinator-friendly habitats. Advocating for these spaces is a step New Yorkers can take to ensure the health of bee populations, which in turn supports the resilience of the city’s entire ecosystem.
• Green Infrastructure for Resilient Urban Development
  Margaret O’Donoghue Castillo, FAIA, Chief Architect at NYC’s Department of Design and Construction, presented on integrating green infrastructure into urban development. Castillo advocated for creating public buildings that not only serve their intended purpose but also support biodiversity. Incorporating green roofs, native plantings, and geothermal systems are some of the strategies that can add ecological value to urban spaces. She highlighted the need for a holistic infrastructure approach in New York City and advocated for establishing green career pathways to support long-term ecological initiatives across the city.
• Pollinator Projects and Urban Ecosystem Connectivity
  Kirk Gordon, an arborist at SCAPE Landscape Architecture, shared insights from projects like the Gowanus Pollinator Census and Battery Park City, which serve as models of ecosystem-based urban planning. By cataloging local species and incorporating native plants, these projects create lasting habitats that support pollinator species. Gordon emphasized the importance of understanding cultural  contexts, resilience needs, and ecosystem connections in designing ecologically supportive and socially enriching urban spaces.
• Microclimate Sensitivity and Urban Heat Management
  Dr. Yuliya Dzyuban, Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute, led a field study in Washington Square Park to examine how urban microclimates vary according to design. Using environmental sensors, she demonstrated how surface materials, shade levels, and nearby traffic impact temperature and CO2 levels. Dr. Dzyuban’s findings highlighted the critical role native vegetation plays in mitigating the urban heat island effect, which benefits human and animal populations alike. This work underscores the need for thoughtful design choices in urban environments to manage temperature extremes and improve the health of city ecosystems. 

In closing, the session championed the integration of biodiversity considerations at every stage of design, not only to foster a resilient and inclusive New York City but also to drive a green economy that creates sustainable jobs and supports ecological stewardship. Speakers framed ecologically conscious choices, from sustainable materials to green infrastructure, as pivotal for redefining urban living beyond a human-centered approach. By broadening our perspective to include the needs of all species within the urban environment, we open the door to innovative approaches and new ways of thinking. Protecting biodiversity becomes not just an environmental or economic goal but a collective responsibility, enhancing the quality of life for all urban residents and reimagining a city where every form of life can thrive. 

Special Thanks to: 

• Dr. Eric Sanderson, New York Botanical Gardens, Author of Mannahatta 
• Sarah Kornbluth, American Museum of Natural History, Rutgers University Doctoral Candidate 
• Margaret O’Donoghue Castillo, FAIA, NYC Department of Design and Construction 
• Kirk Gordon, ISA Certified Arborist, Scape Landscape Architecture 
• Dr. Yuliya Dzyuban, Pratt Institute 

 Special acknowledgment to mentor Stephanie Jones for her guidance.