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New Report Reveals N.Y.C. Areas Most Hurt by Environmental Inequities

Summary

The Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice released a comprehensive report unveiling the profound social inequities exacerbating environmental issues in New York City neighborhoods. Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the report's importance in identifying communities most affected by environmental injustices, offering critical insights to shape government policies. The findings underscore that low-income communities of color bear the brunt, with nearly half of NYC's population residing in areas characterized by elevated pollution levels and health risks. These neighborhoods often lack green spaces and public transit while hosting polluting infrastructure. The Bronx emerged as the most impacted borough, with other affected areas including East Harlem, central and eastern Brooklyn, the North Shore of Staten Island, and southern Queens. The report's data is pivotal for initiatives like applying for federal funding and underscores the urgency of investing in disadvantaged neighborhoods to achieve ambitious climate goals while addressing historical injustices.

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