With Climate Week wrapping up, News All Day highlighted the issues the city is facing and what we can do to address the looming crisis.  

Daniel Zarrilli, special advisor on climate and sustainability at Columbia University’s Climate School, joined “News All Day” to discuss the city’s climate change. Zarrilli was recently the Chief Climate Policy Advisor for former Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Zarrilli says that the science is clear: humans are causing climate change. He notes we can fix things by slashing our emissions, adapting, and providing justice for those on the fronts lines.

Zarrilli notes the city has established itself as a leader by investing and protecting New Yorkers from the effects of storms like Ida and Sandy. The Inflation Reduction Act will allow for “a groundswell of more action” to address climate change.

In response to those who say the use of electric cars and other devices is also bad for the environment, Zarrilli says is the impact from electrification pale compared to the global supply chain affects fossil fuel extract. He encourages New Yorkers to stop relying on fossil fuels.

Zarrilli says the most important thing people can do is vote for candidates who prioritize addressing climate change.