Climate change in New York, New York

• Climate change is supercharging the water cycle, bringing heavier rainfall extremes and related flood risks across the U.S.
• Some 129 U.S. cities (90% of 144 analyzed) have experienced an increase in hourly rainfall intensity since 1970.
• People and ecosystems in both wet and dry locations are facing the risks that come with heavier rainfall in our warming climate.

• Foliage depends on temperature, day length, and rainfall — as well as other conditions including extreme weather events.
• Cool fall nights can boost color, but they have warmed 2.7°F (1970–2023) in 212 U.S. locations.
• Warmer falls can delay or shorten peak foliage.

• Warmer oceans from climate change fuel stronger Atlantic hurricanes with heavier rain and higher storm surge.
• Rising seas amplify storm surge, increasing risks for coastal residents.
• Warmer air holds more moisture, driving heavier downpours and flooding.

• Climate Central’s Coastal Risk Finder provides maps and analysis of the people, homes, and land at risk from worsening coastal flooding driven by rising seas in the contiguous U.S.
• Around 2.5 million Americans in 1.4 million homes live in areas at risk from a severe coastal flood in 2050 under projections that assume global pledged commitments to reduce carbon pollution are met.
• Florida, New York, and New Jersey have the most people and homes in areas at risk from a severe coastal flood.
• Older adults are disproportionately exposed to coastal flood risk. Nearly 540,000 people aged 65 and older live in at-risk areas.

-Climate Central analysis of 221 marathons shows that the cool race-day temperatures that help runners perform their best are becoming less common as the planet warms. -For recreational runners in U.S. marathons, the odds of racing in cool, optimal temperatures are already slim (27% on average) — and likely to shrink with future warming. -If planet-warming pollution remains unchecked, by 2045 optimal race-day temperatures would become less likely in 46 of the 51 U.S. marathons analyzed.

• Fall (September - November) has warmed nationwide since 1970.
• Warming is nationwide, strongest in the Southwest.
• Hotter falls extend risks from heat, wildfire, allergies, and more.

• Demand for cooling is rising across the U.S., contributing to higher energy bills as households rely more on air conditioning in our warming climate.
• Cooling degree days — a temperature-based metric used to estimate the demand for energy to cool buildings — have increased since 1970 in 97% of the 241 major U.S. cities analyzed by Climate Central.
• As the climate warms, rising cooling demand and electricity costs can make it harder for people who lack or cannot afford air conditioning to stay safe during extreme heat events.

• Food and climate change are closely linked. Food systems account for about one-quarter of all heat-trapping pollution.
• Meanwhile, extreme events fueled by climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and disrupt supply chains — all of which can drive food prices higher.
• The availability, quality, and affordability of food reflect a complex set of climatic and socioeconomic factors. Emerging research is providing insight into the role of climate change.