It's also one of the only public places in New York City where you can smoke -- a courtesy to the many foreign diplomats who work there.

But for years, the massive building has been criticized for what environmentalists view as a blatant hypocrisy: As world leaders have gathered in those expansive rooms and hallways to discuss the perils of global warming, they've done so in the comfort of central air-conditioning set at 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Not any more. The UN's Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon has just announced that in order to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions, he will raise the temperature at the UN to a balmy 77 degrees.

This is a big difference, as anyone whose air-conditioning has ever broken down can attest. But hopefully, the dignitaries who daily work at the UN will acclimate to their new environment. Because the difference in temperature is nothing compared with the difference those five degrees will make on the environment outside.

According to some estimates, the increased temperature will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 300 tons, and the UN could save as much as $100 million if these temperature changes are incorporated year-round.

[Image Credit: from Wikimedia Commons]