SUMMARY

Students will apply a role-playing activity to explore the challenges facing climate change planning in New York City.  Radley Horton, lead climate scientist on PlaNYC, will provide an overview of the inter-agency and organization climate change planning process he participated in.  Students will relate their exercise to the very complicated process described by Mr. Horton.  

GOALS

In this lesson, students will:

• Explore NYC’s innovative, and complex plan, to adapt to climate change
• Identify the key risks and challenges to climate change plan negotiations in New York City.
• Engage in a role-playing activity with the purpose of coming to a consensus despite different interests and constituent groups.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION AND TEACHING MATERIALS

No materials needed other than electronic copies of readings.

See attached lesson plan for more information.

NYC Case Study Lesson Plan
Students will apply a role-playing activity to explore the challenges facing climate change planning in New York City. Radley Horton, lead climate scientist on PlaNYC, will provide an overview of the inter-agency and organization climate change planning process he participated in. Students will relate their exercise to the very complicated process described by Mr. Horton.
CaseStudyNYC_LP_PC.doc

NYC DEP Climate Action Plan
Reading for case study class
climate_complete.pdf

NYC MTA Climate Adaptation Plan
Reading for NYC case study.
Jacob_et_al_MTA_Adaptation_Final_0309.pdf

NPCC Chapter 1
Assigned reading for NYC case study class
NPCC_Chapter1.pdf

Rising Waters Report
Assigned reading for NYC case study class
risingwaters.pdf

TEACHING NOTES / CONTEXT FOR USE

See attached lesson plan.

ASSESSMENT

Responses to following questions due before class:

What challenges (including risks) and opportunities does climate change present to your organization?

How well does the emphasis and approach in the assigned NPCC report match the needs of your organization and mandate?  Be sure to cite specific NPCC page references.

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

See attached readings

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Students will apply a role-playing activity to explore the challenges facing climate change planning in New York City.