New York state officials will undertake a multi-year study to assess the effects of climate change on communities, the economy and ecosystems, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.

The study comes as New York is working to implement a law that will shift energy usage in the state to renewable forms in the coming decades, with targets due to be hit by the end of the decade. And it comes after world leaders met in Scotland to negotiate ways to alleviate the impact of climate change in the coming years.

The review is meant to be a comprehensive one to determine the state's vulnerability to the impact of the changing climate as well as how to better prepare for further complications due to the crisis.

"Climate change is here, it's real and no state has felt its impact more than New York," Hochul said. "From hurricanes like Sandy and Ida, to seven feet of snow in Buffalo, we have seen our weather continue to grow more extreme each year. As we continue to rebuild in the wake of this pandemic, we must take a hard look at how climate change will impact our future and this study will serve as a key roadmap in informing how we can build a thriving New York in the midst of these challenges."

The study will be led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and draw in academics, science organizations and community leaders as part of the assessment. All told, officials expect to have nearly 80 people representing 60 organizations in the U.S. and Canada involved in the climate change review.

Officials want to assess estimates of future climate conditions in New York as well as the economic impact. The review will also include a technical report on impacts and adaptation strategies.

"It is true that New York State, like many parts of the nation, is witnessing warmer average temperatures, more rampant flooding than ever before, and coastal erosion due to rising sea levels, making clear the climate is changing more rapidly than we once even thought possible," said Doreen Harris, the president and CEO of the authority. "To ensure we are prepared for what's to come, NYSERDA looks forward to working with our partners on this ambitious and collaborative effort to help inform climate choices at all levels of decision making in the state."

The assessment is expected to be completed by early 2023.