Cars and trucks account for nearly one-fifth of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, emitting over 23 pounds of carbon dioxide and other global-warming gases for every gallon of gas burned. In the fifth installment of our series: Measuring the Elements of Climate Change, NYLCV explores how emissions from cars and trucks are tracked, how methods used globally differ from that at the state and local levels, and how that information can drive policy.

New York State is heavily forested, with trees covering about 18.6 million acres or 62% of its total land area. In the fourth installment of our series: Measuring the Elements of Climate Change, NYLCV explores the methods used for measuring tree canopy, how these measurements are used at different levels of government, and why restoring and adding forest cover is essential for the health of our local ecosystems, community resilience, and to reduce the effects of global warming.

An astonishing two-thirds of New York City’s carbon emissions come from the fossil fuels used to heat, cool, and power buildings.  In New York State, emissions from all building types account for about one-third of all GHG emissions.  New York City and New York State have taken slightly different approaches to limiting and eliminating these emissions, reflecting the types and distribution of buildings and the ways the problem can be addressed.

“Textiles are the next frontier for [waste] diversion and reuse,” said Joshua Goodman, spokesman for the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), in a 2025 New York Times article. “Historically, [the] capacity to do anything with textiles has been limited, but that is changing.” This is good news for New Yorkers, who are increasingly…

Today, the New York City School Bus Umbrella Services (NYCSBUS), public arts nonprofit ArtBridge, and New York State environmental nonprofit, New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF), unveiled a mural at 1101 Zerega Avenue in the Bronx. ArtBridge selected local artist Daniel Bonilla, known as ARTMANDAN, to design and create the installation. The mural itself brings awareness to the community benefits of clean electric bus transportation. Through a series of integrated workshops with local youth and Daniel, the artist, ArtBridge made the creative visions behind this mural a reality. 

On July 8, Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul, and the MTA released Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service, an action plan to modernize and speed up NYC’s bus system. From green-lighting stalled bus projects to all-door boarding upgrades, this area of public transit is finally getting the attention it deserves. Investing in our bus system is vital for both quality of life since it helps residents get to where they need to go faster, as well as environmental interests. 

Instead of travelling by car, commuting by bus means lower carbon emissions, less air pollution, and a reduction in traffic congestion. Improving our bus system is also an environmental justice issue; as the report notes, people of color make up 75% of commuters who use the bus.  By committing $254 million in expense funding and $628 million in capital funding over five fiscal years to carry out the plan, NYLCV is excited for the implementation of this plan.

By Mia Fitzloff It’s Plastic-Free July, which means it’s time to shine a light on – and take action to address – the growing impacts of single-use plastics on our planet. Each year, 430 million tons of plastic are produced, and every piece ever made still exists today. This plastic sits in landfills, pollutes our…

As the weather is warming up, the sun-fueled fun of summer makes it one of the most anticipated seasons of the year. As you get ready for longer days and warmer nights, there are many ways to reduce your environmental impact to ensure you have an eco-friendly yet exciting summer. 

By Noor Malik “Transportation and buildings are among the two largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City. If we’re going to be serious about fighting climate change, we need solutions that address more than one sector at a time.” — Julie Tighe, President, New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund If…