The Brian Lehrer Show A Biodiversity Plan for NYC
Jun 5, 2025
Marielle Anzelone, an urban botanist and founder of NYC Wildflower Week, teams up with Kelly Vilar, CEO of the Staten Island Urban Center, to discuss a vibrant biodiversity plan for New York City. They shed light on the critical connection between urban life and natural ecosystems, advocating for community involvement in conservation. The conversation highlights challenges like habitat loss and climate change while showcasing innovative solutions like green roofs to enhance urban resilience. Together, they present a blueprint for a greener, more sustainable city.
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Nature as City Infrastructure
- New York's biodiversity is vital, providing essential ecosystem services like clean drinking water.
- Nature acts as ecological infrastructure, supporting the city beyond its built environment.
Staten Island Wetland Loss
- In Staten Island, a developer destroyed 1,800 trees and a wetland that protected homes from flooding during Hurricane Sandy.
- Two weeks later, a storm caused flooding in previously safe areas, showing the cost of ignoring nature.
Biodiversity Impact Studies Needed
- Implement a biodiversity impact study alongside environmental impact studies in the ULURP development process.
- This would assess consequences of removing trees and wetlands, helping communities preserve nature during development.