HISTORY This Week
A Toxic Turkey Day
Nov 28, 2024
Frank Uekotter, author of "The Age of Smoke," discusses the infamous Thanksgiving smog of 1966 that enveloped New York City during the Macy’s Day Parade. He reveals how this environmental crisis killed nearly 200 people and sparked significant changes in U.S. environmental policy, culminating in the Clean Air Act. Uekotter critiques the oversimplification of reacting to dramatic disasters, urging deeper consideration of chronic pollution issues. He dives into the historical roots of air pollution, linking industrial practices to modern environmental challenges.
29:40
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Quick takeaways
- The 1966 Thanksgiving smog disaster highlighted the urgent need for environmental reforms and ultimately led to the establishment of the Clean Air Act.
- Public health crises from air pollution, like the New York smog, often catalyze political action and regulatory changes for better environmental protections.
Deep dives
The Tragic Smog of 1966
The killer smog in New York City during Thanksgiving 1966 resulted from an unusual weather pattern that trapped pollutants in the atmosphere, creating a hazardous environment for residents. As the annual Macy's Day Parade took place, air quality deteriorated, leading to symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulties, and irritated eyes among parade-goers. Despite early warnings from pollution monitoring labs, city officials hesitated to declare a smog alert, which contributed to the worsening conditions. Ultimately, the smog claimed the lives of approximately 168 individuals, marking a significant public health crisis in a major U.S. city during a lively holiday celebration.
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