Decade After Superstorm Sandy's Wrath: Cultivating Local Resilience

In the heart of Sunset Park, Brooklyn, a manufacturing district with a high population of Asian and Latine immigrants, change is brewing. This neighbourhood, home to many auto shops, is set to become a beacon of renewable energy in New York City.

One of the pioneers in this transformation is Malik Ashraf, the owner of New Honeywell Auto. Ashraf, who was initially unaware of the climate risks related to his business, has recently implemented changes to keep car paint off the ground and store chemicals in yellow fireproof and waterproof cabinets. These measures aim to prevent harmful chemicals like methylene chloride and toluene from becoming fugitive chemicals during a hurricane.

Ashraf is not alone in his efforts. The Urban Manufacturing Alliance, an organisation that partnered with auto repair shop owners in Sunset Park, has been instrumental in reducing the vulnerabilities of businesses and community life to future disasters like hurricanes.

Victoria Sanders, a research analyst with NYC-EJA, acknowledged a gap in available information for auto shop owners to become more sustainable. However, local climate organisers have been proactive in developing resources and funding to prepare auto shops for rising floods or high-speed winds.

Elizabeth Yeampierre, the Executive Director of UPROSE, is proud of the climate-conscious Sunset Park community. UPROSE's offices are a space full of activist art and fresh vegetables, and the elegantly written Jemez Principles, developed in 1996, are proudly displayed on the wall.

Uri Salazar, a worker at New Honeywell Auto, appreciates the efforts the shop is taking to keep Sunset Park safe. Muhammad Saqib, another worker who migrated to New York from Pakistan and has been working at the shop for four years, expressed the need for leaders to take preventative steps ahead of disaster instead of waiting for bad things to happen.

The city's commitment to Sunset Park's transformation is evident. In addition to the efforts of local organisations, the city has announced that Sunset Park will be home to one of America's largest offshore wind ports. This move aligns with the Environmental Protection Agency's focus on the automotive sector, which has been listed among its six national focus areas for funding through October 2023.

Superstorm Sandy, which hit New York City in 2012, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of climate resilience. The storm killed 48 people and caused immense flooding. The lessons learned from Sandy are being put into practice in Sunset Park, as auto shop owners like Ashraf work towards a safer, more sustainable future.