New York, NY — New York City Mayor Adams has declared a drought warning for the city, a first in 22 years. New York City is experiencing its longest rainless streak in recorded history. Dry conditions contributed to a forest fire that broke out in Prospect Park last week.

The news comes as fully 15 New York counties are under a drought warning, and as first responders work to contain the Jennings Creek Fire, New York’s largest forest fire in 16 years. Meanwhile, every state in the Northeast is under at least a drought watch.

Food & Water Watch New York State Director Laura Shindell issued the following statement:

“Drought, water shortages and forest fires are a preview of life on a burning planet. Safe water and public safety are hanging in the balance. If this isn’t a time for climate action, I don’t know what is. Future-proofing our water infrastructure, bolstering energy and water efficiency, and sustainably managing our forests will require billions of dollars — Governor Hochul needs to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act now to ensure that the fossil fuel polluters that got us into this crisis foot the bill.”

Climate change fueled droughts reduce available water supplies and worsen water quality, concentrating pollutants in the remaining supply. Long-term drought conditions can deplete available water supplies, prompting mandatory conservation orders. This could cause hardship on New Yorkers, who are already being asked to cut back on essential water uses, like showers and toilet flushing. Reducing hygienic water use can jeopardize public health and drive adverse mental health outcomes from the stress of reduced access to life’s most basic necessity.

The Climate Change Superfund Act, passed by the legislature in June, would make the biggest fossil fuel companies in New York pay $3 billion every year into a state fund earmarked for climate resiliency efforts, lessening the load on taxpayers and future-proofing our communities. According to a poll from Data for Progress, a whopping 70% of New York voters support the Climate Change Superfund Act, including majorities across party lines.