The interview with Rohit Aggarwala was full of unique information about the environment. He mentioned how, as commissioner, he helped to implement the metric of a 10-minute walk to the park, as well as the schoolyards to playgrounds program where kids can begin to use schoolyards during non-school hours to promote community building and a healthy environment. He also spoke about the Greener Greater Buildings Plan which was one of his first successes as commissioner which was a plan that implemented the first mandates on existing buildings. Additionally, something else he mentioned that caught my attention was when he spoke about the air quality in this city. He brought up how air quality used to be calculated with air monitors from 40 ft in the air, where no one actually breathes, therefore providing inaccurate results on air quality. Air monitors now calculate air quality from around 10 ft in the air, which provides this city with a much more accurate representation of what needs to be addressed regarding air quality.

Furthermore, it was also compelling to learn where the phrase  “bottom of the barrel” comes from. He explained how companies used to use No 6 oil which would literally sit at the bottom of the barrel because it is the heaviest and lowest quality oil. This oil is now illegal and companies are no longer allowed to use it because of its toxic effects on the environment. He also talked about the implementation of Local Law 97 and how we can also look at energy intensity in buildings. Lastly, when asked how prepared this city is for future climate disasters he claimed that he would give the city a grade of a B-, which was far off from what many of us initially thought. It is pleasing to hear from a commissioner that this city is somewhat prepared, I just hope this is evident when the city is facing its next inevitable climate disaster.