Environmental Issues in New York

Despite not being the nation's largest city in terms of area, New York is the most densely populated city in the United States with a population of nearly 20 million. The presence of so many residents, in a relatively small area, result in a host of environmental concerns. Providing transportation, water and energy for the city of New York creates a host of environmental concerns. Surprisingly enough however, the city of New York does not have as high of pollution rates as Los Angeles and other comparable large U.S. cities. New York has a great deal of air pollution, but not nearly as much as one would expect from such a highly dense area. The city of New York is distinguished by its inhabitant's use of public transportation. More than half of New York households do not own a car, and therefore rely solely on the bus, train, subway or taxis to get around the city. New York's mass transit system is so efficient that the average New Yorker is actually responsible for less green house gas emissions than the average American; New Yorkers are responsible for one percent of the nation's total green house emissions, while being nearly three percent of the population. For this reason, New York's air pollution rates are only a result of high population and when compared to other U.S. cities are actually low. New York's air pollution is also kept in check by a legally mandated switch to more fuel efficient/low emission vehicles for city-owned vehicles. The city plans to increase its low emissions with the switch to electric/hybrid gas trucks and using vehicles that are fueled by corn-based ethanol. Another environmental issues associated with such a large population is waste disposal. The city produces nearly 12,000 tons of garbage waste per day and in 2001, the landfill on Staten Island was closed. This resulted in a waste management crisis, which was temporarily solved by exporting their goods to nearby states. This was not a long term solution however and the increased pollution caused by cross-state garbage travel was cause for environmental concern as well. The answer came in the form of trash barges that handle 90% of the city's daily waste, which was favored by making each of the five boroughs equally responsible for waste management.

Energy is a main cause for environmental concerns in New York. It should be noted that similarly to the city's carbon dioxide emissions, New Yorkers electrical usage is also less than the average American, but this does not eliminate energy concerns. Growing energy demands have been met with legislation and regulations to help reduce energy use. Converting to more energy efficient technologies has taken place throughout the city. Producing enough energy, without harming the environment will be an ongoing concern of New York City. Despites New York's environmental successes, other small environmental issues from the past still haunt the city today. The Greenpoint Oil Spill, which took place more than a half century ago, resulted in 400,000 barrels of oil being spilled into the ground and Newton Creek. Recovery from this spill is still being handled today by Exxon Mobil. New York City has the highest population of any city in the United States and it is for that reason that it also has potential to be one of the most environmentally destructive cities in America. Fortunately, New York officials have found ways to counter these many environmental concerns with the use of energy efficient technologies, mass transportation and efficient waste disposal. New York is a city facing many environmental concerns, but thanks to the city's efforts; it is not nearly as negative of an environmental force as it could be.