Environmental issues in New York City

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park
Central Park's reservoirs were historically important components of the New York City water supply system.

Environmental issues in New York City are affected by the city's size, density, abundant public transportation infrastructure, and location at the mouth of the Hudson River.

New York's population density has environmental pros and cons. It facilitates the highest mass transit use in the United States, but also concentrates pollution. Gasoline consumption in the city is at the rate the national average was in the 1920s,[1] and greenhouse gas emissions are a fraction of the national average, at 7.1 metric tons per person per year, below San Francisco, at 11.2 metric tons, and the national average, at 24.5 metric tons.[2] New York City accounts for only 1% of United States greenhouse gas emissions while housing 2.7% of its population.[2] In September 2012, New York was named the #1 "America's Dirtiest City," by a Travel+Leisure readership survey that rated the environmental quality of 35 prominent cities in the United States. Governors Island in New York Harbor is planned to host a US$1 billion research and education center poised to make New York City the global leader in addressing the climate crisis.[3]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference New York City energy consumption was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b New York City Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability (April 2007). "Inventory of New York City Greenhouse Gas Emissions" (PDF). Retrieved April 11, 2007.
  3. ^ "Mayor Adams, Trust For Governors Island Unveil Finalist Proposals For Climate Solutions Center". City of New York. October 26, 2022. Retrieved October 28, 2022.