Brooklyn got smoky on Thursday as wildfire smoke from Canada drifted into the New York City region. The haze, the burnt smell, and the reduced visibility were caused by smoke particles carried hundreds of miles south. I don’t follow the news constantly, so I didn’t realize what was happening until the smoke reached its peak that evening.
By Nefeli Soteriou
Earlier that day, I was out from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. running a few errands. After the previous day’s heatwave, the cooler temperatures were a welcome change. Taking advantage of the break in the heat, I exercised at my local park around noon. The air felt fresh, and the breeze was comfortable.
By 6:00 p.m., after finishing work, I headed outside again. This time, I immediately noticed the smoky air and the discomfort it caused. I ran into a neighbor who told me about the wildfire smoke. The National Weather Service had already issued air quality alerts beginning Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
The sunset, partially veiled by the smoky haze, caught my attention, and I took several photographs. I’m sharing one of them with this blog. Some may see the image as gloomy. I see it as a reminder of nature’s contrasts. Worrying alone won’t solve the problem. Volunteering to help clean my local park and making recycling part of my daily routine are small but meaningful ways I can contribute to protecting the environment.
Minutes, days, and years can slip away if we remain confined within our four walls, paralyzed by life’s challenges. While it’s important to stay informed and protect ourselves when necessary, it’s equally important to keep creating, contributing, and living with purpose.
