Better get used to it. More frequent and intense storms are what
studies and New York City’s own panel on climate change have
predicted for the city as average temperatures and sea levels
rise over the next decades. By midcentury, city officials say,
New York City’s average temperature is projected to increase
three to five degrees Fahrenheit and sea levels are expected to
rise by more than two feet. By the end of the century, they say,
New York City may feel more like North Carolina. Hurricane Irene
is a reminder of the city’s vulnerabilities, but some
environmental groups say the good news is that the city is
taking steps to prepare. “We consider New York City to be one of
the leaders nationally,” said Ben Chou, a water policy analyst
with the Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington. “They
are already looking at how climate change is going to impact the
city.” The N.R.D.C. this month released a report summarizing
water-related threats to a dozen cities around the country. Most
face increased floodin