Introduction
The main topic of the paper entails air pollution and motor vehicle emissions within New York City and how it compares between the minority and the wealthy neighborhoods. In addition to this topic, the effect of pollution on people of color will be analyzed. New York City has higher levels of air pollution in low-income neighborhoods, primarily in the outer boroughs of Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. These areas experience higher levels of air pollution due to their proximity to industrial and transportation hubs (Dressel et al.). In addition, low-income neighborhoods suffer from more concentrated emissions from older, less efficient vehicles and buildings that lack proper ventilation.
Research Question
- How do air pollution disparities compare in minority neighborhoods vs. wealthy neighborhoods in New York City, and how has it improved?
- How do motor vehicle emissions contribute to the disparities in air pollution between both neighborhoods?
Why the Topic is Important
This topic is particularly important because many studies show us the disparities between white and minority neighborhoods. Additionally, the topic is important because air pollution affects the health of people in New York City, particularly those in lower-income neighborhoods. Air pollution from cars, industry and other sources is a major contributor to asthma, heart disease, and other serious health conditions. Understanding the disparities in air pollution can help identify and address the sources of pollution in different neighborhoods, providing a more equitable and healthier environment for all residents. It is important to create awareness in the NYC community to help reduce these disparities among minority communities.
Thesis Statement
While air pollution and vehicle emissions exist in New York, it is important to analyze the disparities they present in poor and wealthy neighborhoods and understand the contribution of the New York state in curtailing this environmental problem in both areas.
Policy on Air Pollution
24-102 Declaration of Policy
The 24-102 Declaration of Policy is a policy that New York City adopted in 2019 to reduce air pollution. The policy requires the implementation of initiatives and strategies to reduce air pollution in the city. These include measures to reduce emissions from vehicles, buildings, and industrial activities (Dressel et al.). The policy also requires the development of public transportation infrastructure and electric vehicle charging networks and promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. The policy aims to reduce air pollution and its associated health risks. The policy also focuses on increasing public awareness and engagement and incentivizing citizens to reduce their emissions (Air Quality in New York City). Further, it seeks to reduce disparities in air pollution in New York City between wealthy and minority neighborhoods through various methods.
Specific Case Study
This paper will evaluate the 2018 case study published by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection examined the impact of air pollution on the health of residents in the South Bronx. The study found that air pollution, especially from transportation sources, is a significant health concern for the area’s residents (Maroko and Brian 3). The study found that the average concentration of fine particulate matter, a major air pollutant, was significantly higher in the South Bronx than in other parts of New York City. Moreover, the study found that the residents of the South Bronx were more likely to be exposed to higher levels of air pollution for longer durations.
The study focused on disparities in air pollution in New York City by examining how different neighborhoods experienced different levels of air pollution. Specifically, the researchers looked at how air pollution levels differed by neighborhood income, race, and ethnicity. They also examined air pollution’s impact on residents’ health in different neighborhoods (Maroko and Brian 10). The results showed that neighborhoods with higher concentrations of air pollution had higher rates of asthma, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. These health impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and minority communities.
Specifically, it was found that some communities experienced extended exposure to high levels of air pollution while others experienced lower levels of pollution. This prolonged exposure was linked to higher rates of asthma, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, with vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and minority communities, disproportionately affected. This prolonged exposure was linked to higher rates of asthma, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases (Maroko and Brian 5). The study further found that these health impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and minority communities. The study concluded that there is a need for more aggressive air pollution reduction strategies in the South Bronx to protect the community’s health.
Comparison of Disparities in Air Pollution between Wealthy and Minority Neighborhoods
A study conducted by researchers at Columbia University and the Environmental Defense Fund found that low-income and minority communities in New York City are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of air pollution than wealthier neighborhoods. The research found that neighborhoods like East Harlem and the South Bronx experienced exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter three times higher than those in wealthier neighborhoods like the Upper East Side. The research conducted by Columbia University and the Environmental Defense Fund found that low-income and minority communities in New York City are exposed to significantly higher levels of air pollution than wealthier neighborhoods (Dillon et al. 90). This instance shows the stark difference between the air quality in wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City.
The New York City Environmental Justice Alliance has conducted a series of studies that have revealed that communities of color in the city are disproportionately exposed to air pollution from industrial facilities, highways, and other sources. The research demonstrated that non-white New Yorkers experience higher levels of exposure to air pollutants than white residents and tend to live closer to sources of air pollution like power plants and industrial facilities (Dillon et al. 90). This case of disparities in air pollution between wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City demonstrates that minority communities are more likely to suffer from air pollution due to their proximity to industrial facilities, highways, and other sources.
According to a report by the American Lung Association, New York City has some of the worst air quality in the country, and low-income and minority communities are disproportionately impacted. The report found that air pollution levels in neighborhoods like the South Bronx and Central Brooklyn are much higher than in wealthier areas like Manhattan’s Upper East Side (Dillon et al. 90). The report also highlighted the fact that many of the most polluted neighborhoods in the city are home to large minority populations (Nadeem). This example of the disparity in air pollution between wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City shows an unequal air pollution distribution between those two populations. The report found that the air quality in low-income and minority neighborhoods is significantly worse than in wealthier areas, which indicates a systemic problem in the city regarding air pollution.
Disparities in Motor Vehicle Emissions between the Two Neighborhoods
Several cases depict disparities in motor vehicle emissions between wealthy and poor neighborhoods in NYC. “Race, Class, and Space: An Intersectional Approach to Environmental Justice in New York City” (2018) – This study examined the relationship between motor vehicle emissions and respiratory health disparities in New York City (McKane et al. 80). It found that there were significant disparities in motor vehicle emissions between neighborhoods with higher and lower socioeconomic status, as well as between minority and majority residents. This study shows that there are significant disparities in motor vehicle emissions between wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City (Colarossi 3). The study found that wealthier neighborhoods had significantly lower motor vehicle emissions than minority neighborhoods, indicating that air pollution is disproportionately impacting minority communities in the city (McKane et al. 80). This study, therefore, provides evidence that air pollution is not distributed evenly across the city, and that minority communities are more likely to be exposed to higher levels of air pollution.
“Geographic and Social Disparities in Exposure to Air Neurotoxicants at US Public Schools” (2018) – This research examined the differences in motor vehicle emissions across different neighborhood types in New York City (Grineski et al. 583). It found that neighborhoods with higher poverty and minority populations had higher levels of motor vehicle emissions than wealthier and majority-white neighborhoods. This study shows the disparity in air pollution between wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City by demonstrating that minority and low-income neighborhoods suffer more from motor vehicle emissions than wealthier and majority-white neighborhoods (Grineski et al. 583). The research reveals that motor vehicle emissions are a major contributor to air pollution in New York City and that poverty and minority populations are disproportionately affected by this pollution (Clean Air). This study provides evidence of the unequal burden of air pollution in New York City and highlights the need for targeted policies that reduce air pollution in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
“Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Racial Differences in Cardiovascular Disease Risk” (2018) – This research examined the disparities in air pollution exposure in New York City, focusing on the role of race, income, and educational attainment (Sebhat et al. 940). It found significant disparities in air pollution exposure between minority and majority neighborhoods and between lower-income and higher-income neighborhoods (Clark 94431). This study found significant differences in air pollution exposure between minority and majority neighborhoods and between lower-income and higher-income neighborhoods (Sebhat et al. 940). Specifically, the researchers found that minority neighborhoods had a higher level of air pollution exposure than majority neighborhoods, and lower-income neighborhoods had higher air pollution exposure than higher-income neighborhoods. This indicates disparities in air pollution exposure between wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City.
Comparing the Magnitude of Suffering between the Two Neighborhoods due to Air Pollution
The air pollution concentration in New York City is much higher in minority and wealthy neighborhoods. The high levels of air pollution affect the health of residents in minority neighborhoods more than residents in wealthy neighborhoods (Perera et al.). This unequal distribution of air pollution has been linked to more respiratory illnesses and deaths in minority neighborhoods than in wealthy neighborhoods (Tabuchi and Popovich). This study shows the disparities in air pollution between wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City by highlighting the unequal distribution of air pollution between the two (Perera et al.). It shows that the concentration of air pollution is much higher in minority neighborhoods, resulting in more severe health effects for those neighborhoods (Government). Furthermore, this study shows that the higher levels of air pollution in minority neighborhoods are linked to higher rates of respiratory illnesses and deaths in those areas.
Minority neighborhoods in New York City receive less attention regarding air pollution mitigation efforts than wealthy neighborhoods do. This means that air pollution in minority neighborhoods is often not addressed or reduced in the same way as in wealthy neighborhoods. This prevents minority neighborhoods from accessing the same level of clean air as wealthy neighborhoods. This study shows a stark disparity in the attention given to air pollution mitigation efforts in wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City (Kheirbek et al., “The Contribution of Motor Vehicle” 3). Wealthy neighborhoods receive more attention and resources when mitigating air pollution, meaning that minority neighborhoods are left behind. This creates a significant gap in air quality between wealthy and minority neighborhoods and highlights the need for further air pollution mitigation efforts in minority neighborhoods.
The unequal distribution of air pollution in New York City furthers existing disparities between minority and wealthy neighborhoods. This includes disparities in economic opportunity, access to healthcare, and quality of life. Air pollution has been linked to higher poverty rates, unemployment, and lower educational achievement in minority neighborhoods. This case demonstrates the comparison of disparities in air pollution between wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City by showing how the unequal distribution of air pollution furthers existing disparities between these two groups. Wealthy neighborhoods tend to have lower levels of air pollution, while minority neighborhoods tend to have higher levels of air pollution (Kheirbek et al., “PM2.5 and Ozone” 475). This has been linked to higher poverty rates, unemployment, and lower educational achievement in minority neighborhoods, thus creating further disparities between wealthy and minority neighborhoods. This demonstrates the stark contrast between the air pollution levels and the health outcomes between wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City.
Policies that were Enacted to Reduce Air Pollution
Adoption of Cleaner Vehicle Technologies Policy
Governments and private industry can work together to improve vehicle efficiency, reduce emissions, and transition to cleaner fuels like electricity or hydrogen. This could include introducing incentives or regulations to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, incentivizing the development of public transportation infrastructure, and promoting the use of low-emission fuels (Isik et al. 100). Adopting cleaner vehicle technologies can help reduce the disparity in air pollution between wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City. For example, electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions, which can reduce air pollution in heavily trafficked areas. Incentivizing the development of public transportation infrastructure can also reduce the disparity by providing low-cost, low-emission transportation options to low-income neighborhoods that may otherwise be underserved by transportation networks (Isik et al. 100). Additionally, promoting the use of low-emission fuels can help reduce the amount of pollution emitted by vehicles, which can help reduce the disparities between wealthy and low-income neighborhoods.
Cleaner Industrial Practices Policy
Governments can work with industry to reduce air pollution by introducing stricter regulations for industrial emissions, encouraging the use of cleaner technologies and processes in the industry, and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources. Introducing stricter regulations for industrial emissions would help to reduce the disparities in air pollution between wealthy and minority neighborhoods in New York City (Slovic and Helena 5). This is because these regulations would ensure that all industries are held to the same standards and would help to reduce emissions from the sources that are more likely to be found in minority communities. Additionally, encouraging the use of cleaner technologies and processes in the industry would reduce the amount of air pollution being released into the environment, helping to create a healthier environment for all. Finally, promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources would help reduce air pollution by replacing fossil fuels with cleaner energy sources.
The Most Effective Policy
24-102 Declaration of Policy aims to reduce health disparities related to air pollution by encouraging businesses to adopt cleaner technologies, such as low-emission vehicles, and reduce industrial emissions. The adoption of the Cleaner Vehicle Technologies Policy is aimed at reducing air pollution and health disparities related to air pollution. Cleaner Industrial Practices Policy requires businesses, institutions, and individuals to use cleaner industrial practices to reduce air pollution and health disparities related to air pollution. This could include reducing the use of coal, using cleaner-burning fuels, or implementing emission control systems. Therefore, the most effective policy to reduce disparities in air pollution in New York City between wealthy and minority neighborhoods is the Adoption of Cleaner Vehicle Technologies Policy (Slovic and Helena 6). This policy encourages the use of electric vehicles and other clean transportation technologies, which can help reduce emissions from vehicles in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Additionally, this policy incentivizes clean technologies and helps promote air quality improvements in these areas.
Current Situation in New York and How Communities are Helped to Strive
The current situation in New York is complex as the state faces several challenges. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the state has put in place several measures to protect public health and safety, including the closure of non-essential businesses and the enforcement of social distancing and mask-wearing (Culliton). This has significantly decreased air pollution, but New York still faces significant environmental challenges. In order to promote community thriving, the state has implemented several initiatives, including the promotion of green energy, the expansion of public transportation, and the continued investment in renewable energy.
Conclusion
New York City is home to several large, diverse, vibrant neighborhoods. However, air pollution in the city is highly unequal. Minority neighborhoods suffer disproportionately from air pollution compared to white areas due to the location of polluting industries and other environmental factors. Low-income communities and communities of color are exposed to higher air pollution and related illnesses, resulting in health disparities between these communities and white, wealthier areas. Several strategies could be implemented to improve air quality in New York City. These include investing in green infrastructures, such as green roofs and trees, to reduce air pollution; creating green zones in minority neighborhoods to reduce exposure to pollutants; and advocating for more stringent air quality regulations. Additionally, public education campaigns can help raise awareness of the health risks associated with air pollution. Finally, the city should work with residents and local organizations to ensure that all communities benefit from the improvement in air quality.
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