According to the Daily Beast Website, Manhattan is 7 degrees hotter than the suburban areas. The authors of the article (please find the article via the link below) suggest that if the rooftops were more grassy, the "heat island effect" could be reduced by 2 degrees in the summer time.

Then it is relevant to retrieve the fact that 1% of the greenhouse gases in the USA is emitted by NYC! Here the authors suggest that the yards could be turned into gardens and explain that "Manhattan's dense cityscape provides long periods of heavy shade, perfect for spinach, broccoli, and brussels sprouts."

I've noticed that there were green efforts among some communities. In fact, there are cute little community gardens spread sporadically throughout Manhattan. That must encouraged! Bloomberg, I think NYC is awaiting your words of encouragement!


 Article's here: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/10/04/environment-how-green-is-new-york-city.html