Floods. Smoke. Soaring Bills. Mamdani’s Climate Czar Has a Full Agenda.

NYT Homepage

by Hilary Howard

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

New York City’s newly appointed climate chief, Louise Yeung, emphasizes the direct connection between the climate crisis and the affordability crisis, highlighting how rising costs from natural disasters and extreme weather impact residents. In her role,Yeung focuses on addressing immediate challenges such as flooded basements, soaring energy bills, and health issues stemming from heatwaves and wildfire smoke. These factors, she argues, are not just environmental issues but also pressing economic concerns for New Yorkers struggling to afford basic needs like cooling during sweltering summers. With a background in urban planning and experience managing large-scale climate projects, Yeung brings expertise to her role. Previously, she led the Lower Manhattan Coastal Protection Project, a multibillion-dollar initiative to safeguard the area from flooding, though completion remains years away. Her tenure reflects the ongoing tension between the urgency of climate action and the long timeline required for impactful solutions. In addition to her policy work, Yeung’s personality adds a human touch to her role. A fan of romantic comedies and science fiction, she balances her data-driven approach with a relatable perspective. Her appointment underscores the growing recognition among cities worldwide that addressing climate change requires both immediate relief efforts and long-term strategic planning. This focus on combining urgent response with sustainable strategies is crucial for New York City as it faces increasingly severe weather events. Yeung’s work not only addresses environmental challenges but also aims to make these solutions more equitable and accessible, ensuring that all residents can cope with the rising costs of climate change. Her role highlights how cities are redefining leadership to tackle interconnected crises, making her initiatives a model for other urban areas.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/13/2026