Jersey City faces serious environmental challenges in coming decades, like accelerating climate change, more frequent storms, rising sea levels, and aging infrastructure. In the past four decades, the temperature has warmed alarmingly—by over three degrees on average in New Jersey. Annual rainfall has increased by five inches—that’s over 10%—which is a unique threat given that 40% of Jersey City is in a designated flood hazard area. And Jersey City temperatures and water levels are predicted to continue rising at even faster rates. Against this alarming backdrop, Jersey City residents currently have substandard access to parks, greenways, and trees, which are equally key for climate resilience and health. One recent study ranked Jersey City third from last, out of the 100 largest U.S. cities, in terms of its green space.
The only path to a green, sustainable future is to confront these challenges head-on and make climate resilience a priority of every single part of the City Administration. And planning for a sustainable future means that every single neighborhood in Jersey City must have equal to green spaces and clean air. To get this done James will:
1. Create new parks and green spaces across the city, and protect Liberty State Park.
2. Double and maintain Jersey City’s tree canopy and plant microforests.
3. Create city-wide green building standards for new buildings, incentivize climate-resilient changes in existing buildings, and weatherize our schools.
4. Invest in upgrading and maintaining infrastructure across the city.
5. Expand sustainable waste practices and invest in creative reuse programs.
6. Improve public transit and fight turnpike expansion to reduce emissions.
