Many people neglect Earth Day every year, which happens annually in April. This year, Earth Day landed on Apr. 22, a day that represented the need to protect the environment and fight climate change.
In New York City, climate action is very important because there are millions of people that live in the city. Rising temperatures and conflicting weather conditions showcase that climate change is very real and has been impacting those who live on the planet year after year. Though climate change is a big global issue, New York City has started to take action for a better and cleaner future.
One of the biggest environmental problems is air pollution. There are many forms of transportation in New York City like cars, trains, buses and many buildings that use fossil fuel. These gas molecules go in the air everyday. This can contribute to heat rising in the air, which is contributing to global warming. It has been stated that residents from New York City have been experiencing health problems such as asthma, and breathing problems due to these harmful changes in the atmosphere. To combat this, many buildings in New York City are aiming to be energy efficient and decrease the emissions they release into the air. This is said to help lessen the release of fossil fuels.
New York City has also been working on ways to reduce air pollution by having cleaner transportation. The city has added more bike lanes and encouraged the use of electric vehicles. Many New Yorkers are also using more Citi bikes, or walking instead of driving, which has helped reduce the pollution.
Another environmental problem in New York City is flooding. New York City is surrounded by water and rising sea levels caused by climate change can put the city at risk. For example, hurricanes like Hurricane Sandy, flooded many places in the city, which caused fatalities and homelessness throughout the city. In a way to protect the city and the rising sea level, New York City has put up safety barriers in vulnerable areas such as the Rockaways and Lower Manhattan.
Earth day is not only about seeing problems with the environment, but it also encourages people to take action, and make changes to their day to day lifestyle. For example, recycling, conserving water, and using reusable bags, are all ways to help the environment. New York City has become a good example of using reusable bags, as stores throughout the city no longer offer plastic bags as an option for shopping. Instead, people can purchase a paper bag, or buy and bring their own reusable ones.
In addition, young people have become an important part of the climate action movement across New York City. Students across the five boroughs have participated in climate change marches and protests to demand more action from the city. Activists like Greta Thunberg have also inspired teenagers to speak up about not only climate change, but world problems in general.
Overall, climate action in New York City has been proven necessary to protect both the environment and the people of the city. Climate change is already affecting the environment through many contributions like pollution, rising temperatures, and flooding. But, it’s not too late to make a change. Earth Day reminds people that everyone can step up and help the environment whether through government policies, projects, or individuals. New Yorkers have showcased that working together to form a clean, healthy, and livable environment is possible.
