New York Declares Drought Alert Due to Climate Change

The last time such a climate alert was issued was in 2002.

Meteorologists unanimously agree that 2024 has been the hottest year on record. This is not only reflected in summer temperatures that broke records in several regions, but also in an unusually warm autumn.

In the case of New York, the lack of rainfall has caused its water reserves to drop to just 63%, an alarming level not seen in decades. "The lack of precipitation, both in the city and in the upstream watershed where our reservoirs are located, is reaching a critical threshold," warns Rohit T. Aggarwala, the city's climate official. This situation has led authorities to declare a drought alert, the final step before declaring a state of emergency.

The iconic city has not been the only place affected by climate change this year. Florida continues to rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton, an event whose intensity neared "the mathematical limits of what the Earth's atmosphere can produce over the ocean," according to meteorologists. During the summer, heatwaves also resulted in dozens of deaths due to extreme temperatures.

For now, the city government is appealing to citizens' awareness to conserve water before having to implement more restrictive measures. "As New Yorkers, we stand united in the face of this challenge, as we always have in times of crisis," said Rajkumar, recalling the city's historic ability to overcome adversity.

World leaders have gathered at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, since November 10, to address critical global challenges, including access to drinking water and sustainable management in large cities. This agenda has taken on greater urgency amid escalating climate impacts and shifting political dynamics.

New York's current drought highlights these global concerns, with water shortages and urban resilience reflecting the broader issues being discussed at COP29. While New Yorkers are urged to conserve water and demonstrate their collective strength, addressing the root causes of such crises will require long term investments in sustainable infrastructure and ambitious emissions reduction strategies.