New York City’s population is growing. Between 1980 and 2000, the number of New Yorkers increased by approximately two million (1). And New York City isn’t stopping there. The City projects that the population level will be greater than nine million by 2030 (1). In order to meet the current and future needs of New Yorkers with the limited resources available, it is important for the city to grow sustainably.

Urban sustainability is the growth and development of an urban area that meets the needs of city residents without compromising the quality of life for future generations. By efficiently using the city’s ecological resources and built environments, creating more green spaces, and developing a sustainable green infrastructure, New Yorkers can build a healthy urban ecosystem that will meet the cultural, social, economic, and health-related needs of the city.

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Below are some Urban Environment programs that help build sustainable communities in New York City.

(1) The City of New York. PlaNYC. 3 February 2010. http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/challenge/openyc.shtml.