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ebottcher.bsky.social
@ebottcher.bsky.social

When people think about biodiversity, Manhattan probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. But cities have a critical role to play in addressing the global biodiversity crisis. 🌎 I’m in Yerevan, Armenia, for #COP17, the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, where I had the opportunity to

ebottcher.bsky.social
@ebottcher.bsky.social

speak about our efforts to protect and restore biodiversity in New York State. During my time on the New York City Council, we planted over 1,000 new street trees in just four years, and I introduced and passed legislation requiring NYC to develop its first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan,

ebottcher.bsky.social
@ebottcher.bsky.social

with the goal of expanding NYC’s tree canopy to 30% by 2035. Our work also included advancing street redesigns that incorporate green infrastructure and supporting more housing in walkable, transit-rich neighborhoods to reduce development pressure on forests, farmland, and natural habitats.

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ebottcher.bsky.social
@ebottcher.bsky.social

Now, as a State Senator, I’m working to build on that progress and advance policies that protect pollinator habitats, expand urban green space, restore native ecosystems, and promote sustainable development.

ebottcher.bsky.social
@ebottcher.bsky.social

Protecting biodiversity isn’t just about preserving distant rainforests and wilderness areas. It’s also about transforming the places where billions of people already live. Cities are not separate from nature. They are part of it, and they must be part of the solution.