From Ecopedia

Overview

New York is a globally leading metropolitan city in the United States. Being the most populous city in the country, New York impacts global commerce, media, entertainment and finance among many others.^[1]

Environmental Information

New York City’s environmental issues are largely affected by the size, density, transportation of the city apart from the location of Hudson River in the city.

Concentrated Pollution

Main Article: Pollution

Air pollution in the city of New York remains a major environmental problem. Due to the presence of higher levels of particulates and ozone in the air, many New Yorkers suffer from asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

As per the American Lung Association’s 2009 annual report, New York City is recognized as the 22nd region in the US to be affected by particle pollution round the year. The report also identified New York as 17th most ozone-polluted city in the country.

In an effort to control increasing air pollution, the city is switching to more eco-friendly means of transportation. Environment-friendly hybrid taxis, hybrid city buses, fuel-efficient Toyota Prius and Honda Insight vehicles that largely rely on renewable energies are increasingly used to significantly lower particulate and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. New Yorkers’ increased use of environment-safe biodiesel led significant reduction in the conventional gasoline consumption.^[2]

Energy Effficiency

In spite of New York’s dense population, high transit utility as well as lower automobile use make the city extremely energy efficient.

Greenhouse gas emissions of the city record 7.1 metric tons per person as against the national average emissions of 24.5. Collectively, New Yorkers contribute one percent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

Recent environmental awareness prompted New York to focus more on reducing the city’s carbon footprint.^[3]

Green Building Promotion

Respecting green building guidelines practiced in several US cities including San Francisco, New York embraced environment-friendly green construction. Energy efficient buildings including the World Trade Center and Hearst Tower incorporated environment-friendly features like recycled rainwater usage. In addition, several tax benefits are offered to the city builders in order to encourage the builders to carry on greener constructions.^[4]

References

1. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City
2. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_New_York_City
3. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City
4. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_New_York_City