My carbon footprint is much less than DeBlasio's, Bloomberg's, or the high priest of Global Warming, Al Gore.
So, it's all good, right?
Continued
They(the defendents) should also be able to question how the proven historical climate changes, the end of the last Great Ice Age, the Medieval Warm Period, the Little Ice Age of the Middle Ages occurred without significant human input by use of hydrocarbon energy sources."
1
Continued
"Perhaps bringing climate change before the court will force Michael Mann,the government employees at NASA/NOAA/GISS and government funded academic "scientists" to testify and provide the "scientific bases" for the "Hockey stick" graph, the multitude of manipulations of past and current temperature data, the warming of Iceland's temperatures and the Climategate conspirators' admissions including "Kevin Trenberth a government NASA/NOAA/GISS employee who wrote in one of the Climategate emails:
"The fact is that we can't account for the lack of warming at the moment and it is a travesty that we can't." and now he is one of the 20 asking the the President and the Justice Department to begin a RICO investigation into those who agree with his "lack of warming travesty" remark. Once all of the pseudo- science of the government paid or funded AGW "experts' are put under the glaring light and withering questioning under oath testimony this whole house of cards will be tumbling down."
1
The mayor should commission a sailboat for his next vacation to Italy to avoid contributing to climate change.
1
The following comments were sent to Mr Eric Schneiderman, Attorney General of New York State, one of the leaders to silence scientific discussion. They apply equally to the Mayor's proposed lawsuit.
"In order to prove that a person or a company is a "denier" of a theoretical scientific proposal hardly a criminal act, it is first necessary to prove without a doubt that the theory ie, climate change, nee global warming, is a scientific fact with unquestionable data and is the result of human activities and that CO2 resulting from use of hydrocarbon based fuels is the cause. Organization and individuals issued a subpoena for their writings,studies on climate change,nee global warming should have the legal right to ask for the raw data, the adjustments, corrections made and the scientific justification for these and results with and without man made corrections that prove conclusively that CO2 is the cause of any warming and the reason for the 18+year pause in warming. to be contiued
He couldn't get driven in Ford Fusion Hybrids, pretty nice cars that are good for about 40 mpg? Or if he is Mayor Fancy then Lincoln MKZ hybrids, also good for about 40 mpg, should do the job.
On the other hand it appears that the mayor has been using the NYPD's helicopters more often.
https://www.nypost.com/2016/11/30/de-blasio-taking-significantly-more-he...
3
Of interest, the NY Times ran a series today on 52 places to go...all over the world. Right on the digital homepage. All or almost all requiring long distance travel (flights). So it ain't just the mayor who is a little hypocritical here.
2
Ralphie, that's different!
1
Don't forget that he once used Carl schurz Park as a parking garage for his staff. For almost a year (sorry do not remember the exact time but it was months and months) his staff would park on the walking paths around Gracie. I took my dogs to the park every day and it was like walking in a parking lot. Volunteers and regular park uses called 311 regularly but nothing ever came of it. Finally the NY Post got wind of it and published a cover story and two days after the story broke, the cars disappeared. We get our park back.
1
Oil companies should stop shipping any oil based products into New York in order to limit their liability. I'm guessing that it would take less than a day for the people of New York to deal with the mayor and Council in an appropriate manner.
1
For gasoline, it comes out to 20 lbs of CO2/gallon, no matter who you are. Other forms of transportation have their own carbon emissions. If only we had to personally dispose of our own CO2... A few tons would fill most homes quickly but everyone in the US can claim responsibility for many tons. The Tin Blue Line cries out for help, every day.
1
Our previous mayor used his private jet to escape on weekends (he was our mayor for 3 terms); this probably contributed more to global warming than the trips from Gracie Mansion to the YMCA on 9th St in Brooklyn for which the current Mayor is being criticized I'm guessing that one round trip to Bermuda is the equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions of more than 1000 round trips to the Y in a modern S.U.V.( but I'll leave the calculation to a bored physics student for now.). To be fair, I've often wondered why the Mayor doesn't just jog over to Asphalt Green from Gracie Mansion to work out, but I guess he's just got a strong sense of his old neighborhood that he can't let go of - much like most New Yorkers have. Besides I don't think he has a private gym either. I'm glad he doesn't act like a monarch, and he can smile too.
1
NEEDED: TOWERING PROFILES IN COURAGE
Bill de Blasio's declared himself a foe of climate change.
--New York Times
Who'll stand with our doughty mayor
In taking on big woes
That separate the public,
Dividing it into foes,
Attacking all injustice
And racial prejudice,
Plus sexual harassment
Of many a Ms. and Miss,
And where'll we find new heroes
In the war for equal rights,
Who'll tower in the struggle
Attacking society's blights?
2
I am really tired of the hypocrisy argument. As a climate activist, I've heard it many times. It appears to me that this argument is this: that unless you live completely off the grid, use only products devoid of petroleum, only ride a bike, never fly a plane, you have no right to push governments and corporations to move away from fossil fuels. This makes no sense when it's clear that governments could stop subsidizing oil companies, stop allowing drilling, move towards a green economy etc. And remember that Exxon itself has known about global warming since the 1980s. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/exxon-knew-about-climate-chan... So while individuals should do what they can to lesson their carbon footprints, the situation is dire enough that we can't turn this situation around without the help of government and fossil fuel companies.
2
Agree with this - the problem is going to be solved by many small actions not one person. Ultimately behavior needs to change - the strongest incentive is economic be it negative - raise tax on gas or positive - encourage renewable energy.
The evidence to support this is very clear - when gas prices went up US consumers bought energy efficient sedans or hybrid vehicles - now that gas prices have gone down large SUV and trucks are the order of the day. Compare to Europe where gas is taxed at higher rates and small efficient cars and public transportation are the order of the day.
I believe most people want to play a part in securing the environment for the future - but they need an incentive now.
No doubt he'll campaign for President in 2020 or 2024, run on a platform of identity politics and "Climate change" issues, all the while consuming a billion dollars in campaign funds and many many gallons of crude based fuel spreading this message, and, lose.
So sad to see him re elected, and this is what NYC gets. A silly, grandstanding lawsuit that will go nowhere. Meanwhile, the subways are one day older and more dysfunctional.
4
Pension funds are invested to make profit, keep the funds solvent,keep pension costs to a minimum and provide pensions to police officers, firefighters, correction officers, sanitation workers, teachers, hospital workers, social; workers,etc, etc, etc, not to make social and political statements and give politicians face time in the news media.
4
As a huge skeptic of the whole climate change shtick I will say that it is the collective acts of the zillions here in the US that will reduce emissions. But somehow people want to blame the oil companies for supplying the fuel for the cars they drive, the heat for their home, the flights to exotic places etc. Or they want politicians to somehow "fix" it. But it's real simple -- if you are a believer in CC and think the world is going to end badly and soon, then cut your energy consumption. If it's winter, lower your thermostat, turn the lights off, don't drive unless you have to, commute to work - or telecommute if you can. Buy things made and grown locally (do you really need avocados, love 'em but they have to truck them in to the east coast). Cancel the flight to Florida. Etc.
Now the US is only 5% of the global population so even if we reduce our per capita emissions significantly, it won't make much difference because emerging countries are increasing their per capita emissions at a very fast rate. Nevertheless, I live in blue CT where the government funds charging sations for electric cars. And yet, everytime I go shopping (I consolidate all my shopping into a single run every few days that only is about 3 miles round trip) it is impossible to back out of a parking place safely because usually I find that on either side of me are SUV's or vans and I can't see around them. Even in summer when you don't need 4 wheel drive. Ridiculous.
2
I'm seeing comments here that focusing on individual habits risks pettiness and obscures the bigger picture. To some extent that is probably true, but it seems BOTH individual habits and structural issues need to be simultaneously addressed. There really is something just gross about seeing someone like Al Gore living so large. If we can't embody our own message, the message loses a whole lot of steam.
1
The City deserves to lose its lawsuit against the 5 oil companies. The allegations are pure speculation. For every so-called expert set forth by the City the opposition can easily counter its own Cadre of phony-baloney experts. That said Courts by law award Sums Certain. They are not permitted to award speculative damages.
6
Plus it isn’t the oil companies who are using and burning the oil. NY should sue itself then for the cars in its fleets, the smoky buses, and all the drivers in the city too. It’s like suing Toyota or GM because there is traffic congestion. The whole thing is silly.
3
Auto Sales Hit New Record as Americans Buy More Gas-Guzzling Cars
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/auto-sales-hit-new-record-as-...
Don't look at the other guy. Look in the mirror.
No one needs a truck or SUV as a personal vehicle. If you've got so much pets, soccer gear or whatever to cart around, find some new hobbies. A family of five fits into a sedan. Still. If your exceptional family doesn't fit, lose weight or leave some of your litter of kids at home. And no, rattling around in a $40,000 monstrosity doesn't make a brainwashed suburbanite look like a dashing mountaineer or rugged horse wrangler.
A substantial percentage of the U.S. population requires no automobile of any kind. Most public transportation is at least adequate. You won't be able to cater to every whim, but you'll do all right. And be healthier too.
5
It's the old "do as I say not as I do".
Didn't he also take some helicopter rides when he was in a big hurry?
3
Is our mayor vegan? If not, he should sue himself... as the evidence continues to pile up implicating animal agriculture in climate change.
3
Thank you NYTimes for bringing this issue up, not only the mayor's SUV collection, but the army of BIG BLACK SUV'S crawling around NYC. I'm in the city often and that's the first thing that strikes me.
1
Sorry Roy...
Bill is a "do as I say, not as I do type of guy".
This is all a song and dance routine for the Sanders crowd as he thinks about 2020....
3
I agree - its hypocrisy. Lead by example, Mr. Blasio.
Maybe if you walked more and took the subway, you wouldn't need to go to your Brooklyn gym. Your heart is in the right place -now put your feet there too.
3
Talk is cheap. People are what they repeatedly do.
3
Anyone that has a petroleum burning orgy of private jets and helicopters is an irresponsible producer of CO2 no matter what they say or do.
3
Walk the walk de Blasio. Attempting to set an example by suing the petroleum industry is one thing, but living your life benefiting from the petroleum industry simply makes you a hypocrite. You can use a smaller entourage but you don't, you can make more sweeping reforms to reduce pollution in the city, but you don't. Your frivolous lawsuit will do nothing but waste taxpayer dollars on litigation. This article reminds me of yet another all talk political person who is proving themselves as yet another CO2-emitting buffoon.
4
Amen; this country if full of arrogant, selfish people who put their car-egos above the environment. Best selling vehicle in the US: Ford F150. Insane.
1
Reminds me of Al Gore pontificating about global warming from the back of a limousine spewing out noxious fumes swirling around his ego.
5
Meh. I loathe unnecessarily large vehicles and those who idle them, but this is a bit of an eye-roller.
But the message is sound - if you want to see the cause of global warming, there's probably a mirror as close as the bathroom! (and on your way there, turn down the freakin' thermostat!)
3
Yeah, and Gore had a big house, blah blah blah....
Damning the messenger for his own shortcomings misses the fundamental point:
Several years ago---through a tremendous amount of work-- a handful of members of 350.org delayed a massive Enbridge oil pipeline project through the heart of Wisconsin for well over a year. Our action amounted to a reduction in oil shipment equal to the annual CO2 release of over two million vehicles.
Yet one of our members was chided by an Enbridge worker for not riding her bicycle 30 miles to the final hearing! "If you care so much about the environment, why'd you drive a car here?"
What people like the Enbridge worker and this author fail to grasp is that we are always moving from the imperfect toward what we hope to see, and that if we wait until our habits are ideal before speaking up for the planet, we'll be dead soon enough.
Please pay attention to the greater good.
2
Cares so much about the coastline and public expenditures that he promised when running for Mayor to cancel the $150 million in public subsidies- cash, tax breaks and free public land- offered Fresh Direct to move to the South Bronx coastline, in a flood plain. Of course, he reneged, and now Fresh Direct is constructing, with a three story underground garage and oil storage, again in a floodplain. Coincidentally the LIC location they also received subsidies to open at is now slated for his BQX Gentrification Trolley to benefit his real estate donors. Deblasio is phonier than Trump.
1
This is just another case of "what aboutism" that ignores the fact that dealing with climate change needs to be addressed at a global cultural level, not the normal, everyday acts of individuals.
So where do we draw the line?
I'm sure climate change deniers (aka Republicans) would love to see everyone who stands up for climate change move off the grid and walk or bike everywhere.
It would make their power grab that much easier.
1
Didn't Bloomberg get driven to the station, only several blocks away from his mansion on 79th Street? Wasn't the whole riding-the-subway-shtick a cynical stunt by the stunted? I was never impressed. When I see one of the Russian oligarchs or Chinese embezzlers he sold the city to on the subway, then I'll be impressed.
1
This is terribly facile and clichéd argument. History and behavioral economics have shown that the old saw, "think globally, act locally" doesn't really work. For the real global issues, we need top-down solutions.
Part of the reason is that if one community cares about conservation, and uses less gas, the global impace (if even measureable) is going to be to reduce demand—reducing the price, and therfore increasing consumption among everyone else. This is not an argument against consuming less—but it's a strong argument against thinking that in the absence of real political action you're going to change anything.
There's also the simple pragmatic realities of leadership to consider. Whoever is in a high-profile government job is going to consume more resources than regular folks. It's the nature of the institution and role. Presidents and mayors can't be effective if they're getting around on a bicycle.
Maybe for the sake of appearances, De Blasio could pair down the entourage. It's not going to fix the global climate any more than Michele Obama's garden fixed American nutrition, but we'd maybe appreciate the gesture.
The real point: please don't confuse such a gesture with real tactics like divestment and litigation. And please don't use this newspaper to spread your confusion.
1
Climate change is a collective problem that threatens our way of life and major cities like New York. Yes.it might be nice if Mayor De Blasio used public transportation more often, but what we really need now, and sorely lack from our President and his henchpeople, is leadership on policy. This column reads like a cleaned-up version of the kind of personal attacks regularly leveled against Al Gore in the comments sections of many sites and publications. If the author wants to take the threat of climate change seriously, it would make a lot more sense to starkly lay out the dangers and the necessary collective actions and policies.
1
Without hypocrisy is politics even possible? I've always just assumed based on its actions that that was the definition of it.
1
Rich or privileged anti- global warming crusaders (e.g., de Blasio, Bloomberg, Al Gore, Barbra Streisand) invite disdain when they personally fail to meaningfully and symbolically practice what they preach on this front. To the extent our lifestyles depend on fossil fuels, they need to take a hit, and if you're a public figure who makes global warming one of your issues, that hit needs to be visible if you want that message to stick with your constituents/fans. The good news is that happiness and contentment don't come from over-consumption of fossil fuel consumption -- how, possibly, could they? -- so the only thing to fear is losing some gluttony.
5
Is the SUV electric or at least a hybrid? That could mitigate some environmental damage.
He could also go to Asphalt Green to workout. It's a wonderful facility. But then he would have to contend with the garbage trucks which will soon drive between the soccer field and the main building. Unless he walked through the back way. In any event, he would still have to hear complaints from those who know that the garbage transfer station being built on the river is a terrible idea, in a bad location and waste of resources. He might also observe firsthand how the location of the ramp is an avoidable tragedy waiting to happen.
3
They are hybrids.
The first mayor of London in the modern reincarnation,Ken Livingstone used the tube all the time during his terms of office. I saw him. Boris Johnson cycled, I also saw him. I believe Sadiq Khan also uses the tube to get to work in the morning. It would be politically unacceptable for any mayor of London to swan around in a convoy of SUV’s so although I wouldn’t claim any superiority for London’s political class in this case they have it right. Unless you’re on the buses and trains regularly you can’t claim to know the city or it’s problems.
6
A 13-vehicle entourage idled for 2 hours? Even if deBlasio has a need to travel around Manhattan by car, how can this be acceptable? (His detail apparently idles while he exercises, too.) It's bad enough that NYC doesn't enforce its anti-idling law -- its even worse that the Mayor flouts it, too.
13
He's not perfect, but he is trying to do some good in a Trump world. Besides, the man is 6'5", he probably doesn't fit in a small car! And, security is a very serious concern. Now, why he can't find a gym closer than Park Slope is another question that only he can answer!
1
The mayor could walk around the corner to the gym facilities at Asphalt Green. But then he'd be confronted by the view of the transfer station being constructed between Asphalt Green and the East River.
He'd have to hear complaints from people who know that the transfer station should not have been constructed there, that it is an accident waiting to happen, once the school children coming to swim there collide with the garbage trucks pulling into the driveway next to the facility. I guess it wouldn't be pleasant for him.
7
I never begrudge a mayor, whomever he or she is, with travelling in a secure and appropriate vehicle, often contrary to their stated purpose of conservation. DiBlasio is not the problem here. Instead, it is the larger profits that auto companies earn on big-boned SUVs which they have marketed to the public. Most people I know with SUVs cannot wait to get rid of them after less than a year. Hopefully it is a fad that will fade.
2
@Bruce: Sadly, SUV's are showing now signs of being a "fad" - they are ever-present on all the streets in & around Manhattan, and a lot of people feel like it's the "way to make an entrance" to be seen getting in or out of an SUV. Look at celebrity photos online - how often are they getting out of anything OTHER THAN an SUV? Not often!
3
Typo correction: I meant to say "SUV's are showing NO signs of being a "fad"."
1
The oil companies had the scientific knowledge, but chose to lie and undermine climate change conclusions. That's the point of going after them and unless de Blasio has some hidden knowledge that climate change doesn't exist, but refuses to tell us then all the hypocrisy arguments are moot.
It is a good reminder for the Mayor. My guess is that he was largely unaware of the actions of the many vehicles that wait outside...engines running... while he engages in personal and/or public business. In winter, when those running engines provide heat for his waiting entourage, I think we may just need to accept the regrettable impact on climate. My guess is that in summer, the engines (perhaps off) may not have been so offending to the reporter. If they were on, Blasio is likely to instruct drivers to turn them off.
1
If the run for heat in the winter you can rest assured they run for the AC in summer.
2
Unaware? Keep making apologies. The guy is not in a coccoon, or shouldn't be. This issue has been covered repeatedly. And if he doesn't know his gas guzzlers are idling for long periods, he can't really care too much.
6
Yes, the mayor needs a security detail. But he does not need a 13-vehicle motorcade with EMS vehicles, back up vehicles for backups, etc., clearly all modeled upon presidential motorcade structure? Absolutely not. The mayor no doubt flatters himself in thinking he is such a high value target, but a smaller contingent would be merited. This has reached an absurd level.
11
The Mayor continues to ignore other sources of air pollution in our city.
Consider the high price we pay for helicopter tourism, a cost to our environment and to the quality of life in our parks and neighborhoods. These helicopter flights are the “source of measurable quantities of smog-forming gases and elevated levels of formaldehyde and other cancer-causing toxic emissions.” The Airbus AS350 series of helicopters, one of the most popular among tour operators, produces approximately 950 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per hour; the average car produces 22 pounds per hour. There are often eight helicopters motoring on the downtown heliport at any time. There can be no justification for permitting this to continue.
If the Mayor is serious about combatting global warming and serious about reducing carbon dioxide emissions, eliminating tour helicopter flights is an obvious and effective way to demonstrate his commitment.
Unfortunately, due to his loyalty to the helicopter industry and their lobbyists and campaign donations, this probably won't happen.
Shame on him and his hypocrisy.
10
While I understand the spirit of this article, I would prefer the man that runs a city of 9 million has a car detail. The Mayor often has to take important phone calls or call City Commissioners, which he can't achieve riding underground. Aside from the fact that even when he does ride the subway, a car follows above in case he needs to get off in case of an emergency...cut him some slack.
He's not the president. No matter what the incident, the city will move on without instant response by the mayor.
3
Maybe those are hybrid SUVs?
1
Really - your most thoughtful response to the Mayor de Blasio taking on a critical issue like Global Climate Change is to ding him for having a security detail? That’s the best you can do?
Mean-spirited, and, more importantly, completely irrelevant. But nice trolling.
7
Security detail? Read the roster of vehicles. How many are really necessary for security? And i emissions are really such an issue for him, does he really have to SUV to a gym in Brooklyn?
12
@Roy: You have apparently missed the point completely, and nothing anyone says will help you "get it."
Nice trolling on your part, indeed!
1
Um, did you miss the part about the 13 vehicles idling (btw, idling while in park for more than 2 minutes is illegal in NYC for every one else) for two hours while he was at his event?
And since you live in Boston, perhaps you don't realize that Gracie Mansion is on the upper East Side and Park Slope is in Brooklyn--meaning a trip down the FDR drive, over one of the East River Bridges, and through a number of congested neighborhoods--so de Blasio can work out at his favorite gym (he rented out his Park Slope home when he became Mayor, and I have no issue with him living in Gracie Mansion, the Mayor's official residence, but Manhattan is full of gyms). And no doubt his security detail's SUV parade idles through his whole workout, too.
So in fact, I'm sorry to say, but you missed the entire point of this article, since it was not at all about his having a security detail--and what in fact was irrelevant was your comment.
9
Thanks for this. I once tried to talk my conservative uncle out of his disdain for climate change, and in the course of it wound defending the indefensible from Al Gore - a similarly ridiculous and unnecessary hypocrisy about personal behavior. It's important to hold people accountable. 22 miles roundtrip in city traffic because there's no gym nearby that's suitable?
23
Yes, it's time to lead by example.The good mayor can easily enough adjust his lifestyle to show those of us who are not in a position to sue mega corporations or divest billions in investments can still contribute to the battle against climate change.
Maybe he could install an exercise bike in a room down the hall from his office? Work to have all of NYC's vehicle powered by electricity or renewable fuel?
He can do that AND sue the oil companies, just to stick it to the man.
12
I would think that a considerable part of his entourage is for security reasons. An amour plated Corolla is not an extremely effective means of protection. I wonder if Mr. Dwyer gave any thought to the mayor's health and safety.
5
@tommag: The mayor's health and safety are well looked-after, as Mr. Dwyer explained in this article. But De Blasio IS still a hypocrite!
And I wonder if you, in North Carolina, have experienced the toxic output from the tailpipes of multiple SUV's idling at a curb for hours, while pedestrians have to walk on the sidewalk directly next to those SUV's, unwillingly breathing in pollution with every breath.
1
As pointed out in another newspaper does DeBlasio disclose Climate Change dangers to NYC in the City's Bond offerings? If NYC is exposed to the dangers of Climate Change why were sections of Staten Island rebuilt when they are obviously in flood zones for next big super storm caused by climate change? We need to act on the dangers of climate change. Which means stop building or re-building in flood zones. It's not called Water Street for no reason!! That's where the water use to be until they built up lower Manhattan with landfill. In the future the water could very well be there again.
11
The top 0.10 percent of the world, the rich, are the largest contributors to global warming through their thoughtlessly selfish consumption habits. They should be taxed on their carbon footprints ever so heavily, those funds going to education.
21
Saying it doesn't make it true.
Like he does not have better things to do than ride the subway - the article is a big stretch.
6
The subway is faster than car. He also takes totally unnecessary helicopter rides.
28
The Mayor has a history of his actions contradicting his rhetoric. See also: Campaign contributions. Favors for donors. Evading FOIL requests. Refusing to answer questions from the press.
I’m a Democrat. Don’t like to see the Mayor acting Trump-like.
25
I'd say Cuomo-esque.
C’mon. Cut the mayor a little slack. He has to be one of the busiest people in the world. His actions regarding climate policy can reduce emissions in substantial ways, while his personal habits are a drop in the bucket. The mayors work to fix the subways, for instance are infinitely more important than if he himself rides it.
Also, putting the blame for carbon emissions and climate change on consumers who have limited choices misses the point. Fossil fuel companies have known for decades the dangers of climate change and have gone to great lengths to mislead the public while making astronomical profits.
To truly address climate change we need policy solutions that will result in major structural changes such as maximizing energy efficiency and conservation and moving to 100% renewable energy.
This non-strory (hold the press — the mayor gets shuttled around in an SUV) hardly seems to fall under the rubric of “all the news that’s fit to print”
12
Consumers can stop eating meat. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to climate change.
@pat oherron: Why is it always people who live far away from NYC - in Portland, Oregon, in your case - who have such vehement views about what's going on in a city you don't live in?
We who live here 24/7/365 have a very clear idea of what's going on, trust me! And your contention that De Blasio "has to be one of the busiest people in the world," plus your complete failure to understand the real implications of a mayor who gets driven to his gym in an SUV, tells me that you know very, very little about him, his administration, or NYC!
3
I think it falls under the rubric or 'Entitled Hypocrisy'.
Uh...what's he supposed to do, ride around in a Prius? This is as picayune and wrongly targeted as the argument about Al Gope taking airplanes to various places to talk about climate change: what's HE supposed to do, since EVERY form of travel (buses, boats, etc.) pollute to one degree or another.
Certainly I would expect Mr. de Blasio to actively limit his carbon footprint (e.g., energy-saving measures at Gracie Mansion, etc.). But focusing on the fact that he drives around NYC in an SUV is missing the forest for the trees.
6
The fact that he routinely wastes hours by driving his SUV entourage to Park Slope would be an easy first step in reducing carbon emissions (not to mention congestion and risk to bicycles). There are plenty of gyms on the UES. Obviously his personal entourage isn't a prime driver of pollution, or congestion, but one would expect an official so vocal in his climate change rhetoric to live it to some small extent.
6
The issue with Al Gore was that he took private jets instead of commercial and then hopped in a limo while living in a 6,000 square foot air conditioned house. The issue here is did they need 13 vehicles? Did they all need to be large? Did they need to keep their engines running for 2 hours? Is no one thinking about the consequences?
1
No he shouldn’t have to ride in a Prius, but two Subrbans and a police car are more than enough. He’s not a world leader. What’s next, NYC One, the mayoral 747?
3
As it's not likely de Blasio's gym commute will add appreciably to rising water levels, the issue being "hypocrisy". it's only fair to ask this reporter and his corporate management what he and they are doing which might be deemed insufficiently mindful of both appearances and actual emissions.
When can the readership look forward to the carbon audit?
4
Are you deliberately being obtuse? The reporter's behavior is not the issue. Hypocrisy is.
3
More important than his own personal carbon footprint is his policies to reduce his city's. In addition to using SUVs less, Mayor De Blasiso should support congestion pricing to cut back on traffic within the city, and to generate revenue for subway repairs.
6
@Narayan: You're another NOT-New Yorker who thinks you know how this city should be run. You don't have a clue about traffic congestion here, nor about how subway repairs are funded.
1
I understand the mayor has many different locations to be when compared to the average person, and I won't hate him for using an auto because of that, but he should change the gym routine. He could just which to a more local gym and revert to his old gym when he moves back to his old neighborhood in a few years.
And yes, he should take mass transit or bike more regularly to City Hall from the UES.
The city should have a more aggressive timeline for the implementation of electric vehicles. If the administration could convert the majority of the next orders to electric, it would be a step in the right direction.
13
There is the 96th Street subway stop on the new Second Avenue Subway that is not far from Gracie Mansion. Maybe he can be driven to that stop, just a short distance...