Linda HasibuanCNBC Indonesia
News
Sunday, 02/07/2023 13:30 WIB
Pictured: Haze from wildfires in Canada reduces visibility of the Empire State Building on June 7, 2023 in New York City. (Getty Images/David Dee Delgado)
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The air quality in several US cities is currently in the unhealthy category. In fact, four of the five worst cities in the world are in North America, including New York.
CNBC launch, New York, Washington DC, Montreal and Toronto have the worst air quality in the world, according to tracking service IQAir.
It was fueled by a devastating wildfire in Canada that sent smoky air across the continent.
Meanwhile, New York City now has the second worst air quality in the world with an air quality index recorded at 162, only losing to Jakarta.
Toronto and Montreal are ranked #3 and #4, posting AQIs of 155 and 153 respectively. Anything above an AQI of 150 is considered unhealthy air.
The fifth-ranked city, Washington, DC, is hundreds of miles from where wildfires continue to rage across Canada. The air quality there is slightly better than the other three North American cities on the list, with an AQI of 122. This figure is considered unhealthy for a sensitive group.
Wildfires in Canada have been raging for weeks now, with record heat and drought fueled by climate change creating conditions for more intense and sustained wildfire activity.
Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned residents that the potentially hazardous air quality reflected a dismal disparity for residents of the state.
“It’s not something we talk about future generations. We’re really the first generation to feel the real impact of climate change,” Hochul said at a press conference earlier this week.
(fsd/fsd)
“Professional communicator. General music practitioner. Passionate organizer. Evil twitter fan.”
