#energydescent

From the Big Apple, local events can drive national and geopolitical agendas. Let's hope the power from New York will add to the legitimate call for change and rationale for Energy Descent. 

  EXCLUSIVE - ASSIGNMENT EDITORS ALERT: At 1:30 p.m. tomorrow, New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg will deliver a major speech in Brooklyn's Navy Yard outlining the risks New York City faces from climate change and the steps the city should take to protect neighborhoods, infrastructure and New Yorkers from the impact of future climate events. At 1:30 p.m. today, the press will get an introductory briefing from aides Seth Pinsky and Cas Holloway.

The report, commissioned by the mayor in the aftermath of Sandy, offers a roadmap to protect the city against a climate-change forecast that includes rising sea levels and more aggressive and destructive storms, heat waves and droughts. The 450-page report details more than 250 specific recommendations to fortify the city. Tomorrow's audience will include a broad cross section of civic, business and environmental leaders, and New Yorkers impacted by Sandy.

--A Bloomberg aide tells us: "The ambitious agenda is consistent with Bloomberg's determination to lead on these issues from the local level, even as the federal government is stymied in its attempts to address global climate change from Washington."