Climate Smart Cities
Across the country The Trust for Public Land is working with cities to help address the growing threats of climate change. Green defenses like waterfront parks, restored wetlands, and “water smart” playgrounds help protect from from coastal flooding. And keeping flood-prone areas free of development and in their natural state works to absorb floodwaters. Our work to redevelop “water smart” playgrounds in the urban core lowers flood risks by creating natural sponges for stormwater runoff, further safeguarding communities.
Promoting Energy-Efficient Living
By connecting walk-bike corridors at scale, siting shade trees and parks to provide natural cooling, and using green infrastructure to manage storm water naturally, we're making cities more energy efficient and less vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Parks and greenways play an increasingly important role in these efficiencies by:
- Serving as communal backyards for denser neighborhoods
- Providing close-to-home green space, thereby removing the need to drive to nature
- Offering a natural focus for new neighborhoods served by energy-efficient public transit.
Our Work in Action
- NY-NJ Harbor Estuary: We've led GIS planning and protection of key sites around the Harbor Estuary, including 47 projects in New York City alone, protecting 600 acres within the city’s Hurricane Evacuation Zone.
- Philadelphia and NYC Playgrounds: Our work to retrofit playgrounds and install water smart infrastructure is helping absorb stormwater runoff in the urban core, aiding water quality, and lessening flood risk during heavy rainfall events.
- New Orleans: Having led the redevelopment of City Park and restoration of highly absorptive wetlands at Jean Lafitte National Historic Park, we are now working with the City of New Orleans to identify low-lying vacant lands for redevelopment as stormwater retention parks.
