Stakeholder Engagement in Climate Change Adaptation Efforts in the New York City Area

Abstract

In order to shield themselves from the effects of climate change, coastal cities worldwide will have to build a consensus in favor of large-scale adaptation efforts across varied groups of local stakeholders. This thesis assesses engagement with these stakeholders in the New York City area, as part of the NY & NJ Harbor & Tributaries Focus Area Feasibility Study (HATS), which investigates options to adapt to coastal storm risk. Through looking at public documents and interviewing different stakeholders, it explores the question, “How are stakeholders engaged in adaptation planning and what impact do they have on the process?” This question is investigated in three parts. What are the mechanisms for engagement? What are the different types of stakeholders involved and how are they selected? How do different stakeholders determine and voice their priorities, and what are their impact? Across these three aspects, this thesis found considerable differences between public agencies, elected officials and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In HATS, as well as previous NYC adaptation efforts, these stakeholders are selected and engaged differently. They also have differing ways to set up their priorities. In light of these findings, the thesis discusses important policy implications for setting up stakeholder engagement in future climate change adaptation studies.