Overview
Held on September 27th, 2024 at Columbia University in New York, 48 public and private industry leaders convened for the AEG NYC Health, Energy & Equity Action Challenge - The Bronx. The purpose of this challenge was to: 1.) Agree on a critical obstacle to meet NYC’s health, energy and equity goals, starting with The Bronx; 2.) Align on a 90-day sprint and 12-month objective to best address this obstacle; and 3.) Enable stakeholders to volunteer as part of a Task Force to deliver the solution.
5 KEY THEMES
1. Expanding Equitable Access to Clean Energy and Climate Resilience Resources
Underserved communities, particularly in the Bronx, face challenges in accessing clean energy solutions and resources to enhance climate resilience. Addressing this disparity involves collaborative efforts to ensure these communities benefit from sustainable energy initiatives and are better prepared for climate-related impacts.
“A core obstacle is the challenge of equitably expanding clean energy infrastructure while addressing climate resiliency needs in marginalized communities disproportionately affected by extreme weather." – Franchesca Diaz, Con Edison
2. Addressing Energy Insecurity and Reforming Disconnection Policies
Energy insecurity—difficulty in affording essential energy services—affects many Bronx residents, exacerbating health issues like asthma. Expanding energy assistance programs and implementing disconnection reforms are vital steps toward alleviating this insecurity and promoting better public health outcomes.
“To achieve NYC's Health, Energy and Equity goals starting with the Bronx, a critical obstacle to collectively overcome in 12 months is expansion of energy assistance and disconnection reform." – Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, MD, Columbia University
3. Developing a Diverse Green Workforce
There's a growing demand for skilled workers in the green economy. However, a lack of awareness and accessibility to training programs hinders community participation. Creating pathways for diverse populations to enter green careers not only supports economic development but also ensures equitable involvement in the city's sustainability efforts.
"The demand for skilled Green Economy workers may surpass supply, jeopardizing NYC’s ability to achieve its climate goals and impede industry growth." – Dr. Meisha Porter, CEI
4. Enhancing Community Engagement and Education
Effective communication and educational initiatives are crucial for fostering community involvement in health and energy programs. Building trust and providing transparent information empower residents to participate actively in initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and energy efficiency.
"Broader outreach to educate eligible families and simplify the application process is essential to expanding cooling and home energy assistance in the Bronx." – Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, MD, Columbia University
5. Fostering Collaboration Among Stakeholders
Achieving health, energy, and equity goals requires coordinated efforts among local government, community organizations, healthcare providers, and residents. Breaking down silos and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration enable the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted challenges faced by the Bronx community.
"Building partnerships across the borough to create work-based learning opportunities for students is key to strengthening the green workforce pipeline." – Dr. Meisha Porter, CEI
SPEAKER CHALLENGE SUMMARY
Each speaker provided an 8 minute and 5 slide presentation that concluded with this completed statement: “To achieve NYC's Health, Energy and Equity goals starting with the Bronx, a critical obstacle to collectively overcome in 12 months is ______.”
Franchesca Diaz highlighted the challenge of equitably expanding clean energy infrastructure in marginalized communities, focusing on climate resiliency needs. Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir discussed the importance of expanding energy assistance programs and disconnection reform to address energy insecurity and its impact on asthma in the Bronx. Dr. Meisha Porter emphasized the urgent need to build a diverse green workforce to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in New York’s green economy.
Participants agreed to prioritize the presented obstacles and developed this derived obstacle:
“To achieve NYC's Health, Energy and Equity goals starting with the Bronx, a critical obstacle to collectively overcome in 12 months is to expand equitable energy assistance and access to clean energy and climate resilience resources that supports growth of a green economy in underserved communities.”
NEXT STEP ACTIONS
Participants designed, presented, and selected a 90-day sprint and 12-month objective to overcome the above critical obstacle. 15 leaders came together to form a Task Force to complete the above 90-day sprint and 12-month objective.
Task Force Volunteers: Franchesca Diaz, Con Edison, Shaun Hoyte, Con Edison, Antuan Cannon, Willdan, Steve Joern, Willdan, Zak Suttile, Willdan, Edwin Mendez, NYCHA, Carlos Piedad, NYC MOCEJ, Lydia Wiener, NYC MOCEJ, Jeanette Castillo, NYC MOCEJ, Clotilde Monguya, C. MONGUYA Consulting, Edgar Aguirre, Bronx Community Board 11, Rahee Nerurkar, Montefiore Medical Center, Brandon Mohammed, ALIA Ltd.
Conclusion
The NYC Health, Energy & Equity Action Challenge - The Bronx brought together key stakeholders to address critical obstacles in achieving New York City’s health, energy, and equity goals. The challenge emphasized the importance of expanding clean energy infrastructure, improving energy assistance programs, and developing a diverse green workforce to ensure equitable access to resources in underserved communities like the Bronx. Key themes that emerged included the need for enhanced climate resiliency, addressing energy insecurity through disconnection reform, and fostering career pathways in the green economy. As the newly formed Task Force embarks on a 90-day sprint and 12-month objective, their collaborative efforts will be crucial in driving equitable energy transitions and improving public health outcomes in the Bronx.
