There have been several studies made to show short and long-run problems associated with climate change, such as damage to agriculture, reduced labor productivity, and public health effects. Cold and heat waves are the main factors especially affecting public health, it includes an increase in hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Low birth weight and short gestation were responsible for 20% of deaths for infants 1 year old in 2011 in New York City. 

The urban population in New York City is 8.4 million, and the temperature increased by approximately 1.5 °C between 1901 and 2011, which is greater than global and US national trends. New York is highly exposed to the effects of high temperatures due to its dense population. In 1896 it was reported that 1500 people died after a prolonged heat wave in the city.