Steps You Can Take To Fight Climate Change

Turn environmental protection into action

The path to a greener and more resilient planet can sometimes feel overwhelming and out of your hands. But there are ways that you and your family can take action today to create a more livable planet for you and your children. Take these simple steps toward fighting climate change in NYC:

1. Take care of the trees on your block

You may not have the resources to care for every tree on the planet, but you can start by caring for the tree on your block. Trees offer clear environmental and ecological benefits to the city. They clean our air, keep us cool, save on energy bills, and provide a healthy environment for future generations. Take the first step to caring for your tree: use the NYC Street Tree Map to find out how to water, weed, and plant your street tree bed  — be sure to record your care activities!

Does your block need more trees? Find out how you can have a tree planted on your sidewalk  

2. Ride a bike

Riding a bike helps reduce pollution levels in our city. Air pollution is still a serious threat in NYC. Help us "achieve the cleanest air quality of any big U.S. city" by 2030 by simply riding a bike. Riding a bike requires no fuel, unlike most cars, buses, and other motor vehicles that release toxic gas into the city we love. Get moving on your bike today! Grab the NYC Bike Map and plan your next trip. 

3. Become a steward 

Meet and join fellow environmentalists who're working every day to make New York City greener! Our Stewardship Team cares for our street trees, forests, and wetland areas, and helps monitor wildlife that plays a vital role in our ecosystem. Register for an upcoming program today to help plant trees, restore wetland areas, and care for baby trees. Find out how you can become a volunteer Parks steward

4. Grow a pollinator garden

With the changing climate, pollinators that help grow our food, such as birds, bees, bats, and butterflies, are at risk. You can help provide a safe haven for food and shelter by growing a pollinator garden with native plants — you can even grow one on your windowsill! Learn more about how you can support pollinators

5. Show your park some love — help keep parks clean

Help keep our green spaces beautiful and thriving for the environment, for wildlife, and for each other by carrying out your trash with you or disposing of it in our trash receptacles. Leaving trash behind can harm our ecosystems — wildlife might pick at it for food, it may make it more difficult for some plants to flourish, and it may end up in waterways and cause harm to underwater life that keeps our water bodies clean. If you'd like to do more to help keep our parks clean and beautiful, join one of our upcoming volunteer events!