↑ Carbon Zero City includes a proposed micro, urban world's fair, opened with a tall ships event.
ATMOSPHERIC CO2 RISING RAPIDLY
In 2024, CO₂ levels exceeded 427 ppm, marking a steep climate trajectory (Mauna Loa, NASA)..
ATMOSPHERIC CO2
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Surpassing 450 ppm could trigger irreversible climate feedback loops. Rising CO₂ drives extreme weather, sea level rise, and habitat loss, threatening infrastructure, health, and ecosystems. Without swift stabilization, adaptation costs—and impacts—will intensify. Each year of inaction narrows our options
TEMPERATURES SETTING RECORDS
2023 hit a global high, with 2024 expected to surpass it, nearing the 1.5°C danger zone (NOAA).
TEMPERATURES
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Cities like Phoenix are grappling with record-breaking heat waves, straining health systems, while Delhi faces prolonged heat stress impacting agriculture and productivity. NYC’s rising temperatures are straining energy grids, worsening air quality, and increasing flood risks.
RISING SEAS ENDANGER MANY CITIES
Since 1980, sea levels have risen 9 inches, elevating flood risks (NASA, NOAA).
RISING SEAS
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In NYC and other global cities like Jakarta, Miami, and Venice, sea level rise threatens infrastructure, safety, and freshwater supplies. Frequent flooding and saltwater contamination demand urgent coastal defenses and resilient design to avoid escalating costs and environmental damage.
(click on the graphic to enlarge)
MISSION:
TRANSFORM FIDI INTO A CARBON ZERO CAPITAL
OBJECTIVES
Build a supercharged marketing engine to accelerate the deployment of urban-oriented climate responses in cities worldwide; enable critical innovation to cross the chasm; be an investment magnet for more urban climate responses.
Supercharge NYC’s economy by establishing FiDi as a carbon-zero economic cluster; drive demand for FiDi's vacant office space; create a wide array of jobs and generate significant tax revenues.
STRATEGY:
FOCUS ON THE ECONOMICS
FOCUS ON ECONOMICS
In 2024, CO₂ levels exceeded 427 ppm, marking a steep climate trajectory (Mauna Loa, NASA)..
ATMOSPHERIC CO2
×
Surpassing 450 ppm could trigger irreversible climate feedback loops. Rising CO₂ drives extreme weather, sea level rise, and habitat loss, threatening infrastructure, health, and ecosystems. Without swift stabilization, adaptation costs—and impacts—will intensify. Each year of inaction narrows our options
CREATE A CLUSTER
2023 hit a global high, with 2024 expected to surpass it, nearing the 1.5°C danger zone (NOAA).
TEMPERATURES
×
Cities like Phoenix are grappling with record-breaking heat waves, straining health systems, while Delhi faces prolonged heat stress impacting agriculture and productivity. NYC’s rising temperatures are straining energy grids, worsening air quality, and increasing flood risks.
RISING SEAS ENDANGER MANY CITIES
Since 1980, sea levels have risen 9 inches, elevating flood risks (NASA, NOAA).
RISING SEAS
×
In NYC and other global cities like Jakarta, Miami, and Venice, sea level rise threatens infrastructure, safety, and freshwater supplies. Frequent flooding and saltwater contamination demand urgent coastal defenses and resilient design to avoid escalating costs and environmental damage.
(click on the graphic to enlarge)
1. FOCUS ON THE ECONOMY
1. Focus on the economics of the climate crisis, both the costs and the opportunities created by addressing it. Emphasize the economic incentives of addressing the crisis, framing it as a win-win for businesses and communities alike. Focus on actionable opportunities while avoiding politicization.
2. Target industries driving the potential $12.3 trillion carbon-zero economy. Emphasize that the carbon-neutral segments within these sectors represent high-growth, high-profit opportunities. These areas are poised for transformational innovation, delivering significant economic and environmental impact while redefining industry standards.
3. Within that space, further target the costs and opportunities unique to cities. Cities face daunting economic threats from rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and intensifying heatwaves which jeopardize infrastructure. Urban heat islands amplify heat-related dangers, while floods and droughts wreak havoc on water systems, transportation networks, and general economic activity. The economic and/or investment potential for workable responses is large.
THE COST OF INACTION IS DAUNTING
THE COST
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The cost of inaction underscores the urgency of the carbon-zero economy (source: Potsdam Institute). Climate-related disasters caused $300 billion in damages in 2023, exceeding Finland's GDP. The cost of inaction is far greater than investments in sustainable solutions.
THE OPPORTUNITY IS LARGER THAN MANY GDPS
THE OPPORTUNITY
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The carbon-zero economy is projected to surpass the GDPs of many countries and states (sources: various). Global clean energy investments reached $1.4 trillion in 2022, almost equal to Australia’s GDP, showcasing the unprecedented growth potential of the sustainability sector.
(click on the graphic to enlarge)
2. BUILD A CLUSTER
4. Build a carbon-zero industry cluster to increase the potential to address urban challenges from the crisis and seize opportunities. Drawing inspiration from the success of Napa’s wine industry and Boston’s biotech hub, and othere, a carbon-zero cluster will bring together businesses, suppliers, and institutions into a dynamic ecosystem creating synergies, achieving economies of scale, and enabling potenially critical innovations to cross the chasm. Learn more on clusters...
The Carbon Zero Cluster
is based on a widely proven urban economic concept.
5. Establish an international trade mart as the economic cluster's anchor. Modeled after hubs like Chicago’s Merchandise Mart and Atlanta’s Americas Mart, this trade mart will spotlight urban solutions to the climate crisis. It will connect buyers and sellers, showcase carbon-zero economy innovations, and accelerate critical responses to the carbon crisis. Learn more about the trade mart...
6. Showcase global incubator innovations in part of the trade mart. While NYC hosts numerous incubators, this platform highlights groundbreaking efforts worldwide. It offers a premier marketing stage, attracting startups to FiDi, spurring job creation, and boosting NYC's economic growth.
Carbon Zero City
will be a showcase for incubators from around the world.
8. Partner with Finance, AE Firms, and Global Organizations to Drive Deployment. Carbon Zero City will leverage Wall Street expertise and global partnerships to secure investments for scaling climate solutions. Collaborating with the AE sector, the UN, and others, the cluster will integrate these innovations into urban projects worldwide.
3. TRANSFORM FIDI INTO A CARBON ZERO CITY
Creating a carbon-zero district offers significant benefits, including reduced pollution, higher property values due to decreased vacancies, increased tourism, and boosted retail spending. This transformation enhances the area's livability, attracts investment, and positions it as a model for sustainable urban development, driving both environmental and economic growth.
Create a Network of Urban HubsNYC has networks for libraries, schools, and emergency services but lacks specialized hubs to streamline operations. Carbon Zero City proposes Urban Hubs to manage micro cargo, transit, waste, and sanitation.
Selectively Pedestrianize New Yorkers have long pushed for pedestrianizing parts of FiDi, but the economic case lacked strength. Now, with high office vacancies, pedestrianization is no longer optional—it's crucial for real estate competitiveness. For more information
This is an opportunity to improve a variety of urban assets. Carbon Zero’s strategy reimagines urban spaces, blending revitalization with revenue generation. From public art to flexible facilities, these initiatives draw inspiration from models like Urban Space in Union Square and Bryant Park. In other cases, art displays on the crisis.
TACTICS:
MAKING CARBON ZERO CITY HAPPEN
1. Repurpose Vacant Office Space in FiDi to Showcase Carbon Zero Responses. Leverage a portion of the 12 million square feet of currently vacant office space east of Broadway to establish Carbon Zero City as a hub for climate innovation. The initiative projects direct demand for 2 million square feet for showrooms displaying carbon-zero solutions across industries, with an additional knock-on demand of 3 million square feet. This total of 5 million square feet will transform underutilized spaces into vibrant centers of economic and environmental progress. The use is extremely flexible. More...
Compare the economics of showrooms to residential conversions or arts centers like the Water Street Associates building at 161 Water Street. Carbon Zero City complements both of those uses, but from an economic perspective, is significantly superior.
HIGH VACANCY MEANS OPTIONS FOR SHOWROOMS
Chronic office vacancies pose a problem, but also offer space for unique events. (Source: Cushman Wakefield Q1 2024)
HIGH VACANCY
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Vacant office spaces offer significant flexibility for use as showrooms, allowing companies to showcase their products in dynamic, adaptable environments. This approach not only optimizes unused real estate but also drives demand for related office space, creating a synergy between exhibitions and business operations. Similar to London's Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, these showrooms will become a hub for innovation, attracting industry leaders and generating economic growth.
MODEST DEMAND OF 2 MILLION SQUARE FEET
Vacancies are a challenge, but provide room for innovative events. (Source: Cushman Wakefield Q1 2024)
MODEST DEMAND
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Carbon Zero Projects Demand for 2 Million Square Feet. With such an oversupply of long term, uncompetitive vacant space, Carbon Zero expects to have extensive flexibity with establishing showrooms and other uses. It is also less expensive to convert to showrooms than to residential
2. Craft a Compelling Pitch for Joining the Carbon Zero Cluster. Highlight the strategic benefits for property owners, corporations, and stakeholders, including increased property value, revenue growth, and sustainability leadership. Emphasize access to innovation, enhanced brand reputation, and alignment with global climate goals. Show how participation drives economic growth, improves the neighborhood, and tackles environmental challenges.
| Building Owners— Play a critical role in transforming FiDi by investing in renovations, sustainability upgrades, and converting commercial spaces into residential or mixed-use properties. |
| Corporations— Contribute to FiDi’s transformation by supporting economic growth, adopting sustainable practices, and fostering innovation in the area through partnerships and investments. |
| Residents— Drive demand for amenities, green spaces, and services, influencing the development of a more livable, sustainable, and vibrant community in FiDi. |
| Non Governmental Organizations— Advocate for environmental, social, and economic policies, helping ensure the transformation aligns with sustainable and inclusive development goals. |
| The City— Sets regulations, provides infrastructure, and offers incentives for sustainable development, playing a key role in shaping FiDi’s transformation. |
| The State— Supports large-scale infrastructure projects, offers funding and incentives, and helps set overarching policies that guide the transformation of FiDi. |
3. Leverage FiDi’s Assets to Expand the Carbon Zero Cluster. Utilize neighborhood resources, including spaces for exhibits and short-term events, to generate revenue for upgrades and transformation. These initiatives will pave the way for a replicable carbon-zero city with a stronger local economy, an improved quality of life, and higher property values. More...
| EXAMPLE ASSETS |
|---|
| Alleyways and Narrow Streets— Hidden gems like 6 Dutch Street. |
| Vacant Retail— Prime spots along Fulton and Nassau Streets, 22% vacancy (Broadsheet). |
| Public Spaces— Historic plazas like Golden Hill. |
| Under the FDR— Future park and flood protection projects under LMCR. |
| Vacant Land and Parking Lots— Gotham Parking and others for public exhibits. |
| Large Facilities— Winter Garden and Pier 17 for temporary events. |
| Educational Facilities— Summer projects at spaces like Pace University. |
| Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS)— Accessible spaces like 59 Maiden Lane. |
| Street Parking Sheds— Inspired by NYC’s Open Restaurant Program. |
4. Implement an Innovative OOH/DOOH Strategy to Boost Visibility and Revenue. Utilize a blend of traditional and digital out-of-home (OOH/DOOH) media in FiDi to engage the community and spotlight Carbon Zero City initiatives. This approach offers advertisers cost-effective solutions (source: Solomon). More...
| EXAMPLE DOOH/OOH |
|---|
| Billboards — Large, static or digital displays typically placed on rooftops or high-visibility areas. Visible from major streets like Broadway, targeting commuters and tourists. |
| Food Carts — Advertising panels on the many food carts. Ideal for high-foot-traffic areas near Fulton Center or Wall Street subway stations. |
| Street Furniture — Includes benches, kiosks, and other public amenities with advertising space. Strategically placed along Water Street and near pedestrian-heavy zones. |
| Digital Screens — Interactive or static screens in public spaces or on building facades, in food establishments including fast food locations (with heavy footfall). Integrated into plazas like Zuccotti Park or entry points to office buildings. |
| Building Wraps — Large-scale advertisements covering sections of buildings. Perfect for temporary campaigns on underutilized buildings with high visibility. |
| Projection Mapping — Dynamic, digital projections on buildings or other structures. Used for special events, branding, or campaigns during summits or gatherings. |
5. Drive Engagement with a Strategic Event Portfolio. Develop a dynamic event portfolio to connect stakeholders and foster collaboration. From roundtables to trade shows, these events will drive learning, partnerships, and actionable insights. The January 22 roundtable, "Trump, Cities, Climate Crisis: What Cities Need to Do to Move Forward," will kickstart key discussions on urban climate solutions. More...
Partial SUMMARY OF BENEFITS from A CARBON ZERO CITY
BENEFITS / climate / nyc economics / office demand / tourism / regional
Climate Crisis
Benefits
Carbon Zero City will accelerate a multifront response to the climate crisis. A powerful marketing engine built with a Trade Mart, virtual platforms, and events, will help accelerate the deployment of climate-related solutions to cities worldwide.
placeholder for crossing chasm| Climate Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Expand product deployment Scale up the adoption of carbon-zero products. |
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| Help companies cross the chasm Guide companies to commercial success. |
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| Bring together experts Foster collaboration among thought leaders. |
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| Generate bold solutions Drive transformative climate strategies. |
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| Partner with AE firms Collaborate for rapid deployment. |
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| Create investment magnet Attract significant investment into carbon-zero projects. |
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| Leverage NYC’s creative class Engage talent to build excitement and awareness. |
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BENEFITS / climate / nyc economics / office demand / tourism / regional
NYC Economic
Benefits
Carbon Zero City will fuel NYC’s economic growth. It will attract carbon-zero businesses which in turn will create jobs, and generate tax revenues, while boosting support industries like restaurants and retail. It will also drive demand for vacant office space, boost tourism, and generate broad regional opportunities.
| General Economic Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Drive economic benefits Attract businesses, create jobs, and spur innovation. |
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| Foster collaboration Enable cooperation between companies, suppliers, and institutions. |
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| Influx of investment Increase demand for office space and boost tax revenues. |
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| Ripple effect on local businesses Support restaurants, retail, and services. |
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| Enhance NYC’s global sustainability brand Strengthen NYC as a leader in sustainability. |
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| Complement existing initiatives Align with PlaNYC, OneNYC, and City of Yes. |
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| Address critical issues Tackle NYCHA housing, and migrant employment. |
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| Integrate climate and economic solutions Make climate resilience an economic engine for NYC. |
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BENEFITS / climate / nyc economics / office demand / tourism / regional
Carbon Zero City will drive demand for vacant office space. Trade mart demand will create a 1.5 to 2.5x multiplier effect, benefiting local businesses.
| Real Estate Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Annual Increased Rent for Property Owners |
$292,830,000 |
| NPV over 10 years @ 7% (Property Owners) |
$2,350,322,237 |
| Employee Spending from Increased Real Estate Demand |
$1,666,666,666 |
| Indirect Employee Spending from Increased Real Estate Demand |
$1,959,496,666 |
| Total Employee Spending from Increased Real Estate Demand |
$3,626,163,332 |
| Property Taxes from Increased Valuations |
$63,000,000 |
| NPV over 10 years @ 7% (Property Taxes) |
$503,565,729 |
| Direct Job Creation from Increased Real Estate Demand |
33,333 jobs |
| Indirect + Direct Job Creation from Increased Real Estate Demand |
66,666 jobs |
BENEFITS / climate / nyc economics / office demand / tourism / regional
Carbon Zero City will boost tourism, including business visitors. Aligning with events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and NYC’s 400th anniversary will amplify tourism and global engagement.
| NYC TOURISM ECONOMIC Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Job Creation from Annual Tourism |
3,800 jobs |
| Job Creation from a World's Fair |
38,000 jobs |
| Operational Job Creation from a World's Fair |
N/A |
| Tourist Economic Impact (Annual) |
$7,400,000 |
| Tourist Economic Impact (World's Fair) |
$74,000,000 |
| NYC Sales Tax from Admissions (Annual) |
$50,000,000 |
| NYC Sales Tax from Admissions (World's Fair) |
$2,100,000,000 |
BENEFITS / climate / nyc economics / office demand / tourism / regional
Carbon Zero City will serve as a regional economic engine. While its core focus is in FiDi, the carbon-zero value chain can spread across the five boroughs, upstate, and the tri-state, driving broader regional growth.
↑ Pedestrianized William Street, between Pine and Liberty Streets.
A Bold Response To An Urgent Crisis
Let's be bold.
Global temperature records are shattering. This spring (2024), CO2 levels hit 428 ppm, accelerating climate impacts: rising heat, sea levels, instability, mass migrations, and food shortages.
This proposal offers an urgent framework for large-scale climate solutions — not just an environmental necessity but a massive economic opportunity. It will create jobs, grow the economy, and position NYC as a leader in climate action.
Transforming FiDi into a carbon-zero cluster isn’t just ambitious — it’s essential for NYC’s economy and the global climate battle.
Now is the time for decisive action. For NYC. For the planet.
