↑ 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 powerful 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 the Financial District (FiDi) as a globally focused carbon-zero industrial cluster; drive demand for FiDi's vacant office space; create a wide array of jobs and generate significant tax revenues for the city.
STRATEGY:
MAKE IT ABOUT THE ECONOMICS
COSTS V GDP
COSTS V GDP
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The climate crisis is a financial emergency: billions in damages, millions displaced, and collapsing ecosystems. Rising seas and extreme weather destabilize cities and supply chains, creating global risks. Yet, it’s a powerful opportunity—cities are pivotal to driving the carbon-zero economy.
CARBON ZERO
INDUSTRIES
CARBON ZERO INDUSTRIES
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McKinsey’s seven strategies for scaling carbon-zero industries: bold ambitions, cost advantages, secured demand, parallel capacity-building, innovation ecosystems, sustainability leadership, and early talent recruitment. Carbon Zero City equips businesses to deliver on these strategies.
URBAN
POPULATION EXPLOSION
URBAN POPULATION EXPLOSION
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Urban populations are surging, especially in developing regions. While this intensifies climate challenges, it also drives demand for innovative solutions to mitigate and adapt—creating a robust market opportunity.
CREATE A
CLUSTER
CREATE A
CLUSTER
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Trade shows and conferences lay the foundation for Carbon Zero Trade Mart. Starting with small-scale catalysts and scaling to major trade shows in 2025, these events attract key players, foster innovation, and build a thriving urban market.
CREATE A TRADE MART
CREATE A TRADE MART
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Carbon Zero City bridges buyers and sellers through trade marts and events. By showcasing climate solutions for urban environments, it accelerates collaboration, trust, and innovation, with global impact through virtual and in-person engagement.
INCUBATORS
INCUBATORS
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The trade mart elevates innovations from global incubators, giving startups visibility and access to investors. This bolsters NYC’s talent pool, fuels job creation, and positions FiDi as a hub for sustainability-driven growth.
HOLD
TRADE SHOWS
HOLD
TRADE SHOWS
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Events drive urban climate solutions. The Catalyst program launches January 2025, paving the way for trade shows that build carbon-zero clusters and deploy critical innovations. Learn more about Catalyst.
FUTURE
FRAMEWORK
TRANSFORMATION FRAMEWORK
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Carbon Zero City is a real-world showcase. Using FiDi as a testbed, it highlights the economic value of urban climate solutions. It’s a ‘city as laboratory’ approach driving global adoption.
REVENUE
STRATEGY
REVENUE
STRATEGY
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A diverse revenue strategy underpins Carbon Zero City’s financial resilience: sponsorships (programs, exhibits, naming rights), event fees, virtual platforms, and philanthropic contributions ensure long-term viability.
(click on the graphic to enlarge)
CITIES AND THE
CARBON ZERO
ECONOMY
1/14. Highlight the Costs and Risks the crisis creates, as well as the Unprecedented Opportunities it offers. The climate crisis is an escalating economic threat to cities, with flooding, heatwaves, and failing infrastructure posing enormous risks. Inaction only amplifies the damage. However, decisive leadership by FiDi can transform these risks into engines of economic growth and lasting prosperity.
2/14. Target industries that will increasingly drive the $12.3 trillion carbon-zero economy. The carbon-zero economy is expected to boom, offering unparalleled growth and profit opportunities. Demand for carbon-zero solutions is will increasinly surge as companies pivot to this transformative market. FiDi can be at the center—creating synergies, driving innovation, and anchoring financing. More on the industries of the carbon-zero economy.
3/14. Within the Carbon Zero space, Focus on Cities' Unique Challenges and Vast Opportunities. It's a worldwide market. From London to Lagos, cities face rising seas, extreme weather, and failing infrastructure, threatening economies worldwide. Investing in urban resilience unlocks massive economic potential, turning these challenges into lucrative opportunities.
4/14. Located in FiDi, Arguably the most transit-accessible neighborhood in the US or Canada. FiDi offers unmatched advantages: abundant vacant office space, global recognition as a hub of resilience, seamless ferry connections, and strategic placement in NYC’s Blue Highway Initiative. It’s the ideal location to anchor the carbon-zero economy. More on why FiDi is an ideal location.
ACCESSIBLE
ACCESSIBLE
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Arguably the most transit-accessible neighborhood in North America—13 subway lines, 30 bus routes, 18 ferries, the Downtown Shuttle, and 35 CitiBike stations make FiDi seamlessly connected to NYC’s major hubs and airports. It’s a gateway for visitors and commuters alike, offering unmatched accessibility.
AMPLE SPACE
AMPLE SPACE
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FiDi’s abundant vacant office spaces are perfect for Carbon Zero showrooms. With vacancy rates exceeding 30% in Fulton Center, these spaces can transform into vibrant showrooms, dynamic exhibits, and event venues—positioning FiDi as a global hub for carbon-zero innovation. Vacancy source: Cushman & Wakefield, Q3 2024.
KNOWN LOCATION
CARBON ZERO INDUSTRIES
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FiDi is a global destination steeped in history—home to Wall Street, the NYSE, and the world’s largest gold reserves. Milestones include George Washington’s inauguration, the signing of the Bill of Rights, and Thomas Edison’s electrified lighting district on Pearl Street.
RESILIENCY MODEL
RESILIENCY MODEL
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FiDi is a model of resilience and future-ready innovation. The Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency Project is fortifying the area with advanced floodwalls, storm barriers, and durable infrastructure to protect against rising sea levels and extreme weather—a blueprint for urban adaptation.
OVERFLOW POTENTIAL
OVERFLOW POTENTIAL
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FiDi’s strategic ferry connections enhance its capacity to host major events. Linking seamlessly to Liberty State Park, Governors Island (Climate Exchange), and key Brooklyn hubs like BAT, the ferry network ensures capacity even during high-demand events.
BLUE HIGHWAY
BLUE HIGHWAY
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FiDi is a pivotal part of NYC’s Blue Highway Initiative. Surrounded by water, it enables sustainable cargo deliveries by transitioning from trucks to small watercraft and quad vehicles on land, easing traffic congestion and reducing infrastructure wear (reducing upkeep costs). See hubs.
A CARBON ZERO
INDUSTRIAL CLUSTER
ANCHORED BY A
TRADE MART
5/14. Build a carbon-zero industrial cluster in FiDi. Inspired by hubs like Napa’s wine region and Boston’s biotech corridor, this ecosystem unites businesses, suppliers, and institutions. Clusters amplify scale, spark innovation, and attract talent, investment, and startups. For NYC, it means job creation, global visibility, and a resilient economy. Learn more...
6/14. Anchor the cluster with a carbon-zero trade mart. Modeled after Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, this hub will repurpose vacant office space to connect buyers, sellers, and investors while showcasing solutions. The mart will drive demand for hotels and local services, energizing NYC’s economy.
7/14. Amplify the mart’s impact with trade shows. Trade shows will attract global players, forge partnerships, and highlight cutting-edge technologies for carbon reduction and urban adaptation. Larger events will boost local businesses, create hotel demand, and enhance Lower Manhattan’s appeal. Catalysts (roundtables) launch in 2025 to pave the way. More on events.
8/14. Showcase global incubator innovations and attract startups to FiDi. Use the trade mart as a platform to spotlight transformative startups and groundbreaking technologies from around the world, not just NYC. This will get more critical responses deployed. For NYC it will generate jobs and tax revenues, and solidify FiDi as a preeminent global climate hub.
9/14. Scale responses globally by leveraging NYC’s expertise. NYC’s financial and construction powerhouses are vital for deployment. Collaborate with Wall Street firms, AE firms, and global institutions like the UN to drive scalable climate responses worldwide. Deployment of responses to the crisis is the ultimate goal.
10/14. Drive regional economic growth through the carbon-zero value chain. FiDi can be the marketing hub while cities like Albany, Syracuse, and Buffalo expand manufacturing, logistics and other upstream parts of the value chain. This extends economic opportunities across upstate New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
A CARBON ZERO
MODEL CITY
This proposal offers a transformative opportunity for NYC to position itself as a global leader just as Wall Street did last century. As being a frontrunner in combating the climate crisis, it will enhance local real estate values, boos tourism, and be a magnet for carbon zero investment. The Carbon Zero City catalyst series will help evolve a framework.
11/14. Build a Network of Urban Hubs for Modernized City Operations. NYC needs a modern network of hubs for critical functions like micro cargo, micro transit, and sanitation. These hubs will enable pedestrianization and serve as the backbone for large-scale events like a world’s fair, boosting operational efficiency and adaptability.
12/14. Galvanize Pedestrianization to Boost Economic Growth. Selective pedestrianization will enhance FiDi’s competitiveness, reducing office vacancies, increasing property values, and attracting retail and tourism. It’s a win for real estate and urban vitality. For more information.
13/14. Harness Private Sector Innovation to Improve Urban Assets. FiDi’s public assets need revitalization, but budgets are tight. Carbon Zero City will use models like Urban Space and Bryant Park to fund improvements, adding public art, flexible-use spaces, and climate crisis displays to enhance community appeal.
14/14. Transform FiDi into a Living Lab for Housing Retrofits. Rising office vacancies offer a chance to retrofit buildings into sustainable, affordable housing. Inspired by Homearama, Carbon Zero City will partner with developers to create showcase conversions, attracting architects, urban planners, and developers to FiDi.
TACTICS:
MAKING CARBON ZERO CITY HAPPEN
1/5. Transform Vacant FiDi Office Space into a Carbon Zero Industrial Cluster. Repurpose some of the 12 million square feet of vacant office space east of Broadway to establish a trade mart to anchor cluster. More specifically drive direct demand for 2 million square feet of showrooms and 3 million square feet of supporting offices. For more on the venue.
2/5. Focus on Demonstrating the Value for Property Owners and Corporations. For property owners, emphasize increased property values and strategic advantages. For corporations, highlight global marketing potential, synergy opportunities, and scalability benefits. For some companies, provide support for "crossing the chasm" into carbon-zero operations.
3/5. Leverage FiDi’s Unique Assets to Grow the Carbon Zero Cluster. Utilize existing neighborhood spaces for exhibits and short-term events to generate revenue for upgrades and transformation. These efforts will create a replicable carbon-zero city model while improving the local economy, property values, and quality of life. More information on the dooh/ooh strategy.
4/5. Partner with Local Merchants to Roll Out an OOH/DOOH Strategy for Visibility and Revenue. Combine traditional and digital out-of-home (OOH/DOOH) media in FiDi to promote Carbon Zero City initiatives and engage the community. Use QR codes on displays to link directly to the Carbon Zero City app, boosting interaction and event visibility. More information on the dooh/ooh strategy.
5/5. Build Momentum with a Strategic Event Portfolio. Launch a dynamic series of events to unite stakeholders and drive collaboration. From intimate roundtables to large-scale trade shows, these events will spark learning, forge partnerships, and deliver actionable climate solutions. The January 22 roundtable, "Trump, Cities, Climate Crisis: What Cities Need to Do to Move Forward," will set the stage for impactful discussions on urban climate innovation. More information on events.
↑ Pedestrianized William Street, between Pine and Liberty Streets.
A Bold Response To An Urgent Crisis
The time for bold action is now. Global temperatures are breaking records, with CO2 levels reaching 427 ppm in spring 2024. The consequences are devastating: rising heat, flooding, food shortages, and mass migration. Inaction threatens our future. NYC must step up to meet this moment with decisive leadership.
Carbon Zero City isn’t just a climate initiative — it’s a transformative economic engine for NYC. Anchored by a trade mart and powered by trade events, it will accelerate climate solutions and drive collaboration across industries. By leveraging NYC’s financial and AE sectors, Carbon Zero City will move beyond ideas to actual deployment. Humanity is only 10% of the way toward the action required to combat this crisis — NYC can lead the charge. With its ability to attract global investment, Carbon Zero City will position FiDi as a beacon for climate leadership, securing NYC’s role at the forefront of the carbon-zero economy.
Revolutionizing NYC’s economy. Carbon Zero City will bring businesses that create jobs, tax revenue, and innovation, while fueling growth in retail, restaurants, and other support industries. Trade Mart activities will increase demand for office space, revitalizing NYC’s real estate market and driving a 1.5–2.5x economic multiplier. Projected benefits include: Annual rent increases for property owners: $292.83M, Annual property taxes from higher valuations: $63M (10-year NPV: $503.57M), Job creation: 33,333 jobs in real estate, 3,800 jobs in tourism.
Elevating NYC’s global brand. Carbon Zero City will solidify NYC as a global leader in climate innovation. Aligned with PlaNYC, OneNYC, and City of Yes, this initiative will not only address the climate crisis but also tackle NYC’s pressing challenges, such as improving NYCHA housing and creating jobs for migrants, ensuring equitable and sustainable growth.
Maximizing marquee opportunities. Major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and NYC’s 400th anniversary present unique opportunities to amplify Carbon Zero City’s impact. These events will draw international attention, boost tourism, and catalyze investment, proving that sustainability is a powerful economic driver for NYC’s future.
Transforming FiDi into a carbon-zero cluster isn’t just ambitious — it’s an economic and climate imperative. NYC’s future prosperity depends on bold, integrated action that aligns environmental responsibility with economic resilience.
Now is the time to act. For NYC. For the planet.
Roadmap
Transportation
Buildings
Power
Water
Consumer Products
Urban Agriculture
Fuels
Waste (Garbage)
Industrials
Carbon
Mission
