Case Studies: 6. Metropolitan New York

International Conference on Biodiversity and Society
Columbia University Earth Institute
UNESCO
May 22-25, 2001

Thematic Focus

For humans at least, the megacity is the future. The majority of the worldºs human population will soon be living in large urban areas, and no culture or ecosystem will be immune from their influence. Any discussion of the interrelationships between biodiversity and society therefore must include consideration of cities, their impact on biodiversity, and their role in the planetºs natural processes. Indeed, within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, one of the most interesting recent developments has been the lively discussion surrounding the concept of Urban Biosphere Reserves.

The Metropolitan New York Case Study (NYCS) builds on these discussions, exploring the possibility of establishing Metropolitan New York Urban Biosphere Reserve. Within this context, the case study examines the environmental footprint of metropolitan New York, particularly with regards to efficiency of use of energy, land and water. The NYCS then addresses the possible benefits which might be offered by a New York Biosphere Reserve, ranging from increasing New Yorkersº awareness of the cityºs own environmental resources to assisting them in developing long run plans for minimizing the cityºs negative impacts on ecosystems around the world.

Multi-Stakeholder Workshops

The metropolitan New York Case Study will feature a large workshop, in which representatives from city, state and federal agencies and departments, environmental organizations, and local communities will meet to explore what a Metropolitan New York Urban Biosphere Reserve could mean for the city and its people. The workshop is to be held in Manhattan in late March, 2001..

Collaborators and Institutional Affiliates

The NYCS is being prepared under the leadership of Cynthia Rosenzweig (Columbia University/NASA/Goddard Institute), and William Solecki (Montclair State University).