Knowledge-to-Action

Seeks public support and awareness for the Desert Lake geoengineering initiative as a strategy to combat global warming through albedo enhancement.

Conducts research to identify cost-effective strategies for addressing global warming, including quantifying the cooling effects of albedo enhancement and developing metrics such as the Temporary heat radiation Equivalent Carbon (ThrEC) and the Standard cumulus Cloud day (ScCd) to improve public and policy understanding of climate interventions. Published peer-reviewed research in the MDPI Climate Journal on March 7, 2023, on both albedo enhancement and carbon-equivalent quantification methods.

Develops patents as a mechanism to generate sustainable, long-term funding for the foundation’s climate intervention initiatives.

Develops standardized frameworks to assess and monitor albedo enhancement projects globally, enabling project financing and addressing climate injustice in both developed and developing countries.

Estimates on-the-ground data acquisition costs for albedo enhancement research at $437,000 to inform project planning and funding needs.

Identifies 65,699 square kilometers of below-sea-level locations globally as potential sites for salt flat rejuvenation and evaporative cooling, promoting their use for climate intervention.

Operates a 1 sq km virtual albedo enhancement project in a desert by spreading white limestone rocks, increasing surface albedo from 0.2 to 0.61, and supported a symbolic project in South America where children painted rocks white, which was recognized by the UN with a $100,000 award.

Implements and proposes large-scale evaporative cooling projects by moving seawater into below-sea-level arid regions to generate net cooling effects. Specific proposals include supplying seawater to the Qattara Depression via a 55 km tunnel to sustain evaporation from a 12,000 km² lake and utilizing Lake Eyre to evaporate seawater at 4 meters per year, releasing 38.8 billion tons of moisture annually.

Plans to study evaporative cooling effects using the 2019 flooding of Lake Eyre in South Australia as a natural case study for climate intervention research.

Created and displayed a series of AI-assisted artworks titled "Climate Disasters Inspired by Great Masters," including an exhibition of 36 paintings exploring the causes and consequences of climate change, hosted at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory campus in 2023.

Produces and maintains an interactive quiz on climate change topics—including greenhouse gases, renewable energy, and sea level rise—and distributes a free weekly newsletter with climate news, resources, and educational content to enhance public awareness and engagement.

Provides credible information, in-depth resources, and actionable steps on climate change through a website organized into four thematic categories: Truth, Consequences, Mitigation, and Adaptation. The platform aims to improve public understanding and empower activists to take action.

Advocates on behalf of landscape architecture professionals and students in the New York Metropolitan-Long Island region, including engagement with state-level elected officials through initiatives such as NYSCLA Lobby Day, where the organization secures commitments to support prioritized legislation. The organization has participated in annual advocacy events at the New York State Capitol.

Distributes a bi-weekly newsletter and maintains an RSS newsfeed called The Dirt to share news, events, and media coverage relevant to landscape architecture with chapter members. Also provides access to Landscape Architecture Magazine as part of member benefits.

Hosts regular networking opportunities for members, including emerging professionals, through events such as the annual President’s Dinner (held yearly since at least 2022), local networking gatherings, concerts, competitions, and receptions for fellows and award recipients.

Plans and hosts a calendar of educational programs including CEU-accredited courses, symposia on urban climate challenges, plant identification walks, site tours at historic landscapes, and leadership development programs for firm leaders. These include recurring events such as Climate Action Forums, Open Studio events, and walking tours focused on ecological resilience.

Recognizes excellence in landscape architecture through an annual awards program, including organizing the Design Awards Reception each year, producing certificates and presentation materials, and reviewing award categories and submission guidelines annually. The chapter also elects honorary members and recognizes member accomplishments across career stages via a Member Spotlight series.

Identifies and supports 2–5 candidates annually for elevation to the ASLA Council of Fellows by reviewing and submitting applications. Petitions for sponsorship of student chapters at academic institutions and establishes or dissolves committees to advance the chapter’s mission.