New York is a city of superlatives and is unique in the United States, yet when compared to other U.S. cities close to its size it shares similar advantages and disadvantages in maintaining its environment. Air pollution—especially particulates, which can trigger heart attacks and asthmatic episodes—remains a problem. And the city draws little power from alternative energy sources, though it is experimenting with some innovations such as water turbines in the East River. But the city’s greatest advantages are perhaps its oldest: The sheer density of people makes car ownership more of a burden than a privilege and its robust public transportation system continues to keep cars off the road. Read more

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