NYC Suffers From Unhealthy Air Quality Due to Canadian Wildfires
<img src="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/smoke-maps-canada-fires.html" alt="Smoke Forecast Map">New York City is currently experiencing unhealthy air quality due to smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires. This has prompted officials to issue an air quality health advisory, particularly warning young children and individuals with respiratory illnesses to take precautions.
Air Quality Index Soars
On Saturday, parts of the city reached a concerning 136 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), briefly ranking among the worst in the US. The AQI is predicted to reach a maximum of 120 on Sunday, categorized as "unhealthy for sensitive groups." Similar advisories are in effect for parts of Massachusetts and New Jersey.
The National Weather Service advises vulnerable groups to limit strenuous outdoor activities. An AQI above 150 signifies unhealthy air for the general population.
A Growing Problem: Wildfires and Climate Change
This isn't the first time NYC has been impacted; smoke from Canadian wildfires has been a recurring issue in recent years, exacerbated by climate change. The intensity of the wildfires in 2023 even turned NYC skies an alarming shade of orange. The ongoing situation has also fueled diplomatic tensions between the US and Canada.
This situation underscores the far-reaching impact of climate change and the need for proactive measures to address wildfires.
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