Urban sustainability, technology, and mobility expert has advised a number of foundations and impact investment funds
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has formed a new climate leadership team headed by Indian American environmentalist Rohit T. Aggarwala to focus on environmental protection and environmental justice across New York City.
Aggarwala, a widely recognized expert on urban sustainability, technology, and mobility, has been designated as chief climate officer and commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Adams also announced Jan 31 creation of a new Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ), consolidating multiple city agencies into one, headed by Kizzy Charles-Guzman. She will report to Aggarwala in his role as chief climate officer.
Read: Indian American climate expert Jainey Bavishi gets key role at NOAA (August 2, 2021)
“It is evident to anyone who opens their eyes that we are in the midst of a climate crisis in this city and around the world, so it’s time to think outside the box and determine how we can handle the crisis before it’s too late,” said Adams.
“Today’s team combines renowned expertise with deep, personal, lifelong commitment to protecting every New Yorker from the devastating effects of our climate crisis,” said Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi.
“Bringing the full force of their skills and foresight to solidify today’s infrastructure and prepare for tomorrow’s underscores the Adams administration’s deep commitment to making New York City a more livable place today and for generations to come.”
“Making progress on climate requires not only good policies but also driving resilience, decarbonization, and environmental justice into daily city operations,” said Aggarwala.
“I’m excited to shape the city’s climate work on behalf of Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Joshi and am honored to lead the 6,000 men and women at DEP who ensure that New York’s drinking water, harbor, and air are safe and clean, and who are our front lines on managing stormwater.
Aggarwala, according to his official bio, led the creation of the Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability under previous Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
He also founded the environmental grantmaking program at Bloomberg Philanthropies, and served as president of the Board of Directors of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.
Aggarwala was part of the founding team at Sidewalk Labs — Google’s urban technology startup — and more recently was a senior urban tech fellow at the Jacobs Cornell-Technion Institute.
He has provided advice and assistance to a number of foundations and impact investment funds and chaired the Regional Plan Association’s Fourth Regional Plan for the New York region.
Aggarwala holds a PhD, MBA, and BA from Columbia University and an MA from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
Aggarwala will report to Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi.
“In just 31 days in office, the Mayor is already tackling the greatest crises in our city and world. Climate Change remains a real threat. If we do not act now, we will leave future generations with a city where entire neighborhoods are underwater,” said Indian American Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar.
“Mayor Adams is confronting the crisis head on by assembling a team of preeminent experts who will make New York the most resilient and climate-friendly city it can be.”
“New York City sees the deadly effects of climate change in the flooding of our subways and our homes, and the extremes of heat and cold every summer and winter,” said New York City Council member Shekar Krishnan, chair, Committee on Parks and Recreation.
“Rit Aggarwala is a visionary and strategic climate leader who will make a strong addition to the new administration,” said Manish Bapna, president and CEO, Natural Resources Defense Council.
Read: Mayor Adams Announces Appointments of Climate Leadership Team, Streamlines Multiple City Environmental Agencies Into One (January 31, 2022)
“During his time serving under Mayor Bloomberg, he helped spark transformative change, including when it came to reducing emissions associated with the city’s buildings — the largest single source of New York’s climate pollution,” he said.
“With sufficient resources and support, I am confident he will build on that legacy in this new role. We look forward to working together to make the city as clean and resilient as possible.”