1) Water pollution
A cause of the water pollution is the sewage water. It
doesn’t take much storm water to overwhelm the city’s sewer system and the
overflow is then pumped into New York Harbour. Much of the waterfront and public beaches
are unsafe after storms because the runoff contains building sewage combined
with dirty water from the streets.
This shows that New York city’s sewage system is not
effective as it overflows quickly and discarded into the New York Harbour. If possible,
capital should be invested into improving the sewage system so it will not
overflow so easily. Also, as the sewage water affects the public beaches and
waterfront after storms because of the discarded dirty water, this would mean
that many outdoor activities such as sailing or surfing would have to be
stopped because of unsafe waters. This not only causes activities to be delayed
or cancelled, it also effects the efficiency and productivity of the people. More
importantly, this water pollution affects the environment as well as the overflows damage fish habitats and impair navigation.
To tackle this problem, increased
tree and vegetation planting which has the potential to decrease the harmful
effects of runoff were planted to deter the overflow problem.
2) Air pollution
Air pollution in New York City is an environmental threat
which contributes to an estimated 6% of annual deaths. This significant air pollution problem causes premature death for
many people and a negative impact onto the New Yorker’s health as well. Ozone,
or smog, is the biggest problem. It is caused by sunlight interacting with vapours
released from motor vehicles, factories and fuel-burning sources. Fine
particulate matter is another culprit, and it is caused by ash, soot, diesel
fumes and chemical emissions.
This causes health problems as the
particulates burrow their way deep into the lungs and cause asthma, chest pain,
wheezing and cancer. The many health problems caused would cause the
developed city of New York to face a greater population decline if the problem
of smog is not cleared.
Responding to this problem, MillionTreesNYC,
an environmental program that combines the expertise of community groups,
volunteers and government agencies, is introduced to solve pollution problems
in the city. Trees reduce street temperatures and clean city air of the dust
and pollutants that contribute to respiratory illness. The tree canopy in NYC
helps offset the harm of global warming. Green spaces also encourage the city’s
residents and visitors to get out and enjoy the beauty and wildlife of the city.
The City of New York will plant 70% of trees in parks and
other public spaces. The other 30% will come from private organizations,
homeowners, and community organizations.
Parks (street trees)
|
220,000
|
Parks (reforestation and landscape),
other agencies, and zoning regulations
|
480,000
|
Private Partners
|
300,000
|
|
|
Grand Total
|
1 Million New Trees
|
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