New York had the worst pollution of any city in the world late Tuesday, with conditions starting to clear Wednesday morning. But officials warned that air quality could deteriorate again. | Seth Wenig/AP PhotoNEW YORK — A thick cloud of smoke from wildfires in Canada hung over New York City on Wednesday, causing an “unprecedented” decline in air quality that threatens public health as the effects of climate change become more pronounced, city officials said Wednesday.
“This may be the first time we’ve experienced something like this on this magnitude; let’s be clear, it’s not the last,” Mayor Eric Adams said at a Wednesday press briefing. “Climate change is accelerating these conditions. We must continue to draw down emissions, improve air quality and build resiliency.”
Outdoor school activities in the city have been canceled, and medically vulnerable individuals are advised to wear a mask if they can’t stay indoors. New York City doesn’t currently have an “off the shelf” plan on actions it should take when it records poor air quality levels the way it has specific protocols ahead of hurricanes or other similar events, Iscol said. He said this week’s smoke-filled conditions have highlighted the need to develop actions that are triggered by different air quality measures.