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Boston and New York take different approaches to stormwater management
Boston and New York City are addressing increasing sewer overflows caused by climate change with contrasting strategies: Boston is separating stormwater from sewage, while New York is investing in green infrastructure.
In short:
- Boston is separating its stormwater and sewage systems to reduce overflow into waterways.
- New York City is implementing green infrastructure like rain gardens and storage tanks to manage stormwater.
- Both cities face high costs and complex logistics in upgrading their aging infrastructure.
Key quote:
“You need the infrastructure to move that 5 inches of water out. And that isn't done by any green infrastructure, that is pipes.”
— John Sullivan, chief engineer, Boston Water and Sewer Commission
Why this matters:
Rising sea levels and intense rainfall due to climate change are overwhelming urban sewer systems, leading to pollution and public health risks. As cities struggle to fund infrastructure improvements, outdated systems pose increasing threats to communities.
Related EHN coverage:
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Climate Now: Powering Chinatown's energy resilience
In Boston's Chinatown, you don’t have to look far to see how climate change is already affecting the lives of residents. But the Chinatown Community Land Trust and Chinese Progressive Association are working on a solution that they hope will put power back in the hands of Chinatown residents when it comes to climate resilience – literally.
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Snow has been a no-show for some traditionally wintry cities
Growing up in New England, Leah Ofsevit's most cherished childhood memories were blanketed in snow. She remembers running barefoot outside with her brother at the first sign of it, building snowmen and ice castles most winters, strapping on skis as a toddler.
Air quality can affect health. Climate change is worsening both
While heat is well-understood as a consequence of climate change, air quality is both cause and effect when it comes to the nexus with climate change.
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Jarrett Walker: When buses go free, public transit service can suffer
The efforts to eliminate fares for buses but not rail transit in Boston and Washington, DC, should raise questions about who those two modes are for, and what they mean.
Councilors to look at teaching about climate change in Boston schools
Less than a week after the Prince of Wales, drawn to the region’s leadership on combatting climate change, brought his Earthshot Prize to Boston, at least one city councilor says she’s taken some inspiration back from him — and is hoping to turn it into a new curriculum for Boston public school students.
Photo by Kai Pilger on Unsplash
A challenge for cities: going green, without gentrification
Community displacement has emerged as an unintended cost of climate resilience efforts. Here’s how cities can boost both livability and equity.
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