The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation notes that climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, ethnic groups, and economic classes because of underlying historical disparities. These groups are often already located in higher-risk areas like flood zones without the resources to prepare for, recover from, or adapt to climate impacts. Westchester has designated "Disadvantaged Communities" under this framework.

Combining flood and heat exposure with the Westchester Index poverty data shows real overlap — the same municipalities show up on both maps.

Highest overlap of climate risk + economic vulnerability

• City of Yonkers — with a 14% poverty rate (2020-24), well above the county's 9%, Yonkers also is the site of documented urban heat islands in historically redlined neighborhoods, where less tree cover means measurably higher temperatures than in wealthier parts of the city.
• City of Mount Vernon — with the highest poverty rate in the county at 15%, Mount Vernon has a dense urban footprint with limited green space, making it heat-vulnerable.
• City of Peekskill — with a 12% poverty rate, Peekskill sits directly on the Hudson River, heightening its exposure to flooding and storm surge.
• Village of Port Chester — with a 13% poverty rate and its location on the Long Island Sound and the Byram River, Port Chester has experienced multiple extreme flood events.
• Village of Mamaroneck — with a poverty rate of 11%, the Village of Mamaroneck has been a repeat flood zone. The Army Corps of Engineers has been redesigning flood-diversion infrastructure here for over a decade because of chronic flooding.
• Villages of Ossining and Sleepy Hollow —with poverty rates at 9%, both villages are situated along the Hudson River riverfront and as vulnerable to flooding and storm surge.

Flood-prone communities

Westchester’s position between the two bodies of water leaves the county particularly exposed to sea level rise and storm surges, which are projected to worsen significantly.  Low-lying municipalities and coastal towns along the Long Island Sound and the Hudson River are particularly exposed to storm events, including flooding and storm surges. Some communities, including Mamaroneck and Rye, have suffered repeated, costly flooding from storms, resulting in ongoing major flooding events that caused tens of millions of dollars in damage.  

Urban heat islands

Urban heat islands present health risks to low-income, elderly, and disabled populations. In the City of Yonkers, neighborhoods historically redlined by discriminatory mortgage practices tend to have less tree cover resulting in higher temperatures than other parts of the city; urban heat disproportionately affect people of color still concentrated in those neighborhoods. Groundwork Hudson Valley has conducted a feasibility study that evaluates the benefits of implementing a network of green infrastructure (GI) practices to address challenges in Southwest Yonkers associated heat islands, as well as flooding.

To learn more about urban heat islands, visit the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment at Nysclimateimpacts.org.

Climate Resilience and Economic Development

An April 2025 article in 914 Inc. featured the many ways Westchester’s business community is grappling with the effects of long-term submersion risk from sea level rise and urban heat islands The Westchester County Association’s  Policy Playbook addresses climate resilience with local strategies for smart growth development. The Business Council of Westchester’s Clean Energy Action Coalition (CEAC) works to accelerate clean energy adoption through standardized & streamlined municipal approval processes.

To search by specific addresses, visit the following resources:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Map Service Center

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Climate Change Impact on New  York State

NYSERDA New York State Disadvantaged Communities

Westchester County Flood Zones. To search by location, visit here.

In Westchester County, local communities and nonprofits are working to conserve land, preserve natural resources, and prepare for and mitigate climate risks. Information, education, and advocacy is protecting open space, preserving air and water quality, and helping communities prepare for climate risks.

Learn More about The Trust’s grantees addressing environmental issues and sustainability in Westchester:

ALIGN  (Alliance for a Greater New York) is a coalition of labor, community, and environmental organizations working at the intersection of economy, environment, and equity to build a more just and sustainable New York. The organization advances policies and campaigns that promote good jobs, climate action, worker protections, and corporate accountability

Bronx River Alliance  serves as the coordinated voice for the Bronx River, working to protect, restore, and improve the river corridor as a healthy ecological, recreational, and educational resource. Through restoration projects, environmental education, and community engagement, it connects residents to the river while advancing environmental justice

The Center for Economic and Environmental Partnership (CEEP) promotes economic and environmental sustainability through partnerships with governments, businesses, educational institutions, and communities. Its work focuses on clean energy, workforce development, conservation, environmental justice, and collaborative policy solutions.

Citizens Campaign for the Environment is a grassroots environmental advocacy organization that empowers residents to influence policies affecting public health and natural resources. Through education, research, lobbying, and outreach, CCE advances initiatives related to clean water, climate action, open space preservation, and pollution reduction

Friends of Rye Nature Center is a nonprofit organization that provides environmental education programs and supports public access to nature through the Rye Nature Center’s 47-acre preserve. The organization promotes conservation and lifelong connections to the natural world through camps, community programs, and outdoor learning opportunities.

Groundwork Hudson Valley transforms urban neighborhoods through community partnerships that advance environmental sustainability, youth leadership, and economic opportunity. Based in Yonkers, the organization revitalizes public spaces, delivers environmental education, and develops climate resilience initiatives throughout the region.

Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund is a collaborative grantmaking initiative that supports projects protecting and restoring the health of Long Island Sound and its watershed. The fund strengthens nonprofit organizations, fosters collaboration, and advances conservation, resilience, and community access throughout the Sound region.

Mianus River Gorge Preserve protects one of the Northeast’s oldest remaining old-growth forests and conserves land throughout the Mianus River watershed. Through research, education, stewardship, and land protection, the organization safeguards critical habitats and promotes science-based conservation.

Pace University Energy and Climate Center is a nationally recognized research and policy center that advances clean energy, climate resilience, and environmental justice solutions. The center provides legal, economic, and scientific expertise while training future leaders in energy and climate policy.

Riverkeeper is a leading environmental organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Hudson River and safeguarding drinking water sources for millions of New Yorkers. Through advocacy, legal action, scientific monitoring, and community engagement, Riverkeeper works to ensure clean water and healthy ecosystems throughout the watershed.

Save the Sound protects and improves the land, air, and water of the Long Island Sound region through science, advocacy, legal action, and community engagement. The organization works to combat climate change, restore ecosystems, protect open space, and improve water quality across New York and Connecticut.

Sustainable Westchester is a consortium of local governments that helps communities accelerate the transition to clean energy and address climate challenges. The organization develops regional sustainability programs, secures funding opportunities, and provides energy solutions that are equitable, practical, and cost-effective.

Teatown Lake Reservation is an environmental education and conservation organization that protects more than 1,000 acres of preserved land in the Lower Hudson Valley. Through education, research, and stewardship initiatives, Teatown inspires lifelong environmental stewardship and promotes regional biodiversity.

Westchester Land Trust works with public and private partners to permanently conserve open space and protect natural resources throughout Westchester and eastern Putnam counties. The organization preserves environmentally significant lands, stewards nature preserves, and enhances community access to healthy landscapes.

Westmoreland Sanctuary is a nonprofit nature preserve and environmental education center dedicated to conserving land for public enjoyment, education, and future generations. Its 640-acre sanctuary offers environmental programs, habitat conservation projects, wildlife observation, and extensive hiking trails.