Former Military Island Transforms into NYC’s Climate Innovation Laboratory
Affiliate Disclosure
Hey fellow impactful ninja ?
You may have noticed that Impactful Ninja is all about providing helpful information to make a positive impact on the world and society. And that we love to link back to where we found all the information for each of our posts.
Most of these links are informational-based for you to check out their primary sources with one click.
But some of these links are so-called "affiliate links" to products that we recommend.
Why do we add these product links?
First and foremost, because we believe that they add value to you. For example, when we wrote a post about the environmental impact of long showers, we came across an EPA recommendation to use WaterSense showerheads. So we linked to where you can find them. Or, for many of our posts, we also link to our favorite books on that topic so that you can get a much more holistic overview than one single blog post could provide.
And when there is an affiliate program for these products, we sign up for it. For example, as Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.
What do these affiliate links mean for you?
First, and most importantly, we still only recommend products that we believe add value for you.
When you buy something through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission - but at no additional costs to you.
And when you buy something through a link that is not an affiliate link, we won’t receive any commission but we’ll still be happy to have helped you.
What do these affiliate links mean for us?
When we find products that we believe add value to you and the seller has an affiliate program, we sign up for it.
When you buy something through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra costs to you).
And at this point in time, all money is reinvested in sharing the most helpful content with you. This includes all operating costs for running this site and the content creation itself.
What does this mean for me personally?
You may have noticed by the way Impactful Ninja is operated that money is not the driving factor behind it. It is a passion project of mine and I love to share helpful information with you to make a positive impact on the world and society. However, it's a project in that I invest a lot of time and also quite some money.
Eventually, my dream is to one day turn this passion project into my full-time job and provide even more helpful information. But that's still a long time to go.
Stay impactful,
At Impactful Ninja, we curate positive and impactful news for you. Follow us on Google News or sign up for our free newsletter to get these delivered straight to your inbox—just like our expert roundup below!
📰 The quick summary: New York’s Governors Island has transformed from a former military base into a thriving climate solutions hub where innovators test and implement environmental projects ranging from oyster restoration to seaweed cultivation and waste recycling.
📈 One key stat: The 172-acre island attracts nearly a million visitors annually, creating a perfect real-world testing ground for climate solutions in an urban environment.
💬 One key quote: “Whatever your area of expertise, there’s something you can contribute to solving these problems,” said Barent Roth.
1️⃣ The big picture: Governors Island, a 172-acre island in New York Harbor accessible only by ferry, has evolved from a military outpost into a dynamic environmental innovation center. Once used by the Lenape tribe and later the military, the island now hosts pioneering climate solution projects through a pilot program headed by the Trust for Governor’s Island. Environmental organizations working on the island include the Billion Oyster Project, which aims to restore one billion oysters to New York Harbor by 2035, and Seaweed City, which grows kelp to improve water quality. The island has become a real-world laboratory where climate solutions can be tested, refined, and showcased to nearly a million annual visitors.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The transformation of Governors Island represents a creative approach to urban environmental challenges by repurposing existing spaces for climate innovation. The island now functions as an accessible demonstration site where the public can witness and participate in climate solutions firsthand. Projects like oyster reef restoration not only improve water quality but also create natural habitats and defenses against erosion and sea level rise. Companies working in the circular economy are developing technologies that turn waste into resources, like creating park furniture from recycled plastic. These initiatives provide practical models that can be scaled up and applied throughout New York City and beyond.
3️⃣ What’s next: The climate pilot program continues to expand with new focus areas, moving from water in its first year to circular economy solutions in its second. Companies like Plantaer will test living concrete façade technology on the island in the coming year. As successful projects demonstrate their effectiveness, they’ll be implemented more broadly across New York City’s five boroughs.
Read the full story here: The Guardian – This New York City island was once a military base. Now it’s becoming a climate solutions hub – in pictures
