Published on: 2026-09-05
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 5, 2026 Climate and Environment
In the very heart of Manhattan, one can observe a changing climate. In New York’s Central Park — one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world — heavy downpours are becoming more frequent, certain areas are flooded, soil is being washed away, and prolonged heat puts stress on people and the ecosystem. Innovative methods are designed to counteract these destructive changes.
At the same time, the park itself helps New York cope with the heat. According to a study by the Central Park Climate Lab, the air temperature here can be almost 6 degrees Celsius lower than on the surrounding streets.
“Central Park and city parks in general are much more than just spaces for recreation,” says Yanina Kupava, Director of Operational Planning and Administrative Affairs at Central Park Conservancy. “They are vital green infrastructure.”
UN News Service / E. Kleshcheva Yanina Kupava, Director of Operations Planning and Administrative Affairs at Central Park Conservancy
Parks cool the city, purify the air, hold back stormwater runoff, and provide people with a chance to shelter in the shade of trees. The UN News Service visited Central Park on a hot summer day—just weeks before world leaders gathered nearby at the UN Headquarters for the General Assembly’s general debates. During these same days, Climate Week will take place in New York. While politicians and experts discuss sustainable development, its practical dimension can be observed just a few blocks from the conference rooms.
From restoration to park protection
Central Park did not always look as it does today. In the 1970s, during New York City’s budget crisis, it fell into decline. In 1980, the Central Park Conservancy was established, which, together with city authorities, began to restore its landscapes, bodies of water, and ecosystems.
Today the task has changed: the restored park must be protected from climate threats.
UN News Service/E. Kleshcheva A bee is pollinating a flower in Central Park.
“We are increasingly encountering periods of extreme heat,” Kupava explains. “We observe stronger downpours that lead to flooding and soil erosion.”
New York, like other areas with high urban density, heats up faster and retains heat longer than the surrounding rural and suburban areas. As temperatures rise and the threat of flooding increases, the role of green spaces becomes even more important.
Plants for the new climate
Even what can grow in Central Park is changing. Its location in the middle of a metropolis places additional stress on plants and animals.
“The park is still part of the urban environment, and increasingly higher temperatures may be unusual for the natural range of some trees,” explain the park specialists.
The staff observe how different plants are faring in the new conditions and, if necessary, experiment with plants from other climatic zones – for example, from Italy.
“We observe how they behave, and where possible, we act,” says Kupava.
Protect local landmarks
And yet the main task is to prevent the climate crisis from changing the park’s world-famous appearance. For example, the famous alleys of ornamental apple trees in spring become one of the park’s most popular spots: the branches are covered with white, pink, and purple flowers. According to staff, the place looks so romantic that an “incredible” number of people propose marriage to their loved ones right here.
UN News Service/N. Shekinskaya Blooming trees in Central Park.
But now even the alleys of Central Park are under threat – a too warm winter may cause the apple trees not to bloom at all. In addition, an unexpected thaw in February may cause magnolias or cherry trees to blossom prematurely.
“If they bloom too early, late frosts can seriously harm them,” explains Kupava. “And if winters become increasingly mild, these trees may face problems with flowering and pollination.”
“Not a single leaf will be wasted”
One of the elements of Central Park’s climate adaptation literally lies underfoot. Leaves, weeds, invasive plants, wood debris, and even food waste from service areas are now turned here into compost, which will help flowers and trees cope with threats.
At the work site in the northern part of the park rise piles of branches, wood chips, and fresh greenery. Employees bring here what they have collected during weeding, lawn mowing, and tree care. What was once considered waste is turning into a resource.
“We want all this wonderful material to remain here,” says Kupava.
UN News Service / E. Kleshcheva Staff collect vegetation for composting.
The process itself takes several weeks: organic waste is first composted, then left to mature. At the same time, employees record all incoming materials – where they were brought from, in what quantity, and what exactly was received for processing. This way, Conservancy can track how much organic raw material is generated in the park.
The finished compost is used to enrich the soil in gardens, protect the roots of newly planted trees, and restore trampled lawns. Staff and volunteers lay mulch around young trees, which helps retain moisture, enriches the soil, and gives the plants a better chance to take root successfully. Compost also helps reduce surface runoff during heavy rains.
An equally important task is staff motivation: employees can receive the title of “Composter of the Month” for particularly active participation in the program.
Today, the site is planned to be expanded and additional containers installed in order to process even more material, send as little as possible to landfills, and return as much as possible back into the park’s ecosystem.
“The goal is for all the green material to remain in the park. This is the gold standard,” emphasizes Kupava.
Save water and refuse fuel
In the context of climate change, particular attention is paid to water conservation. As part of the North End Recirculation project, the northern part of Central Park is to become an independent watershed. An underground system will allow water to circulate between the bodies of water.
“For the public, this will be practically unnoticeable,” says Kupava, “but the water savings for the city will be colossal.”
The equipment is gradually changing as well. Gasoline- and diesel-powered machinery is being replaced with electric ones as they wear out. Employees already use electric tools, and as suitable models become available, Conservancy is considering switching to electric lawn mowers, tractors, and even garbage compactors.
UN News Service/E. Klescheva People are riding bicycles in Central Park in New York City.
Some electric vehicles are equipped with solar panels that help extend battery life. However, this technology has its limitations.
“The climate in the northeastern US is moderate, and any decisions related to solar energy must work year-round. So far, we mainly use them as an additional source of energy,” explains Kupava.
Park as climate infrastructure
New Yorkers love their park and many are willing to participate in its preservation on a voluntary basis. Volunteers, together with park staff, take care of the trees and flower beds, weed plants, collect leaves and litter. Programs dedicated to sustainable development are being developed for schoolchildren.
Almost two centuries ago, the creators of Central Park wanted to give the rapidly growing New York residents the opportunity to stay close to nature. Today, this green island in the middle of Manhattan has taken on another task – to help a city of millions adapt to a climate that is changing before our very eyes.
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