New York City Mayor Eric Adams has created a new Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) and appointed a climate leadership team. MOCEJ consolidates and unifies the Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency and the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Sustainability, as well as incorporates the Mayor’s Office of Environmental Coordination and the Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation. The goal is to provide an integrated approach to climate leadership by uniting the four offices that had independently addressed remediation, resiliency, sustainability and environmental justice, and environmental review.
“Today’s team combines renowned expertise with deep, personal, lifelong commitment to protecting every New Yorker from the devastating effects of our climate crisis,” said Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi. “Bringing the full force of their skills and foresight to solidify today’s infrastructure and prepare for tomorrow’s underscores the Adams administration’s deep commitment to making New York City a more livable place today and for generations to come.”
MOCEJ will seek solutions to offset the effects of climate change and unnecessary carbon emissions along with: installing 100 megawatts of solar on schools, libraries, community centers, and other public buildings; expanding citywide resiliency projects and infrastructure; breaking ground on a clean energy complex; and completing the city’s first comprehensive study of environmental justice.
“It is evident to anyone who opens their eyes that we are in the midst of a climate crisis in this city and around the world, so it’s time to think outside the box and determine how we can handle the crisis before it’s too late,” said Mayor Adams. “This past year alone, we have experienced extreme weather anomalies and rising sea levels, which have endangered New Yorkers’ lives, their homes, and their livelihoods. The remnants of these different calamities are still being repaired to this day, but my administration is committed to transforming the city’s quality of life and fighting for environmental justice for all New Yorkers, and this team is exactly who will get the job done for New Yorkers.”