A First Look From NASA’s New Air Pollution Satellite

A New Satellite Mission Provides Hourly Updates on Air Quality in the United States

Introduction

A new satellite mission has been launched to provide hourly updates on air quality in the United States. This mission aims to address the ongoing air pollution problem and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Continuous Record of Air Pollution

The satellite, named TEMPO, will remain stationed above North America and provide scientists with real-time updates on air pollution across the country. The first images released by researchers show changes in nitrogen dioxide pollution throughout the day. TEMPO will also be able to measure other pollutants.

Importance of Air Quality

Air pollution remains a significant concern in the United States, with one-third of Americans still living in unhealthy levels of air pollution. Nitrogen dioxide, which is produced by burning fuel, contributes to various types of pollution. The images captured by TEMPO highlight hotspots of nitrogen dioxide around major cities, particularly during peak traffic hours.

Tracking Air Pollution

TEMPO’s hourly updates are expected to revolutionize air pollution research by providing researchers with the ability to track pollution from its source. This will help identify the major contributors to air pollution on a national scale. The data from TEMPO will be a valuable tool in understanding and addressing air quality issues.

Challenges and Solutions

While car traffic has historically been a major source of air pollution, stricter emissions standards have reduced pollution from vehicles. However, the relative importance of consumer products and materials emitting volatile organic compounds has increased. These compounds react with nitrogen dioxide to create ground-level ozone, which remains high in some areas. Fine particulate pollution, known as PM2.5, has also been on the rise since 2016.

Impact of Wildfires

Wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, have been identified as a significant factor in the increase of air pollution. The frequency and intensity of wildfires have risen, leading to higher levels of pollution. TEMPO’s data will help researchers understand the impact of wildfires on air quality and develop effective strategies to mitigate their effects.

Field Research and Local Data

Scientists have conducted field research across the country to gather data on air quality at a local level. In New York City, researchers have walked through various neighborhoods, collecting air samples using portable sensors. This granular data will complement the satellite’s observations and provide a more comprehensive understanding of air pollution distribution.

Connection Between Climate Change and Air Quality

The field research has already highlighted the connection between climate change and air quality. Higher temperatures are associated with increased ozone pollution levels. On the hottest sampling day, ozone readings exceeded national standards. This emphasizes the need for effective climate change mitigation measures to improve air quality.

Availability of TEMPO Data

Data from the TEMPO satellite will be made available to the general public in spring 2024. In the meantime, over 400 users, including state and federal agencies, have signed up as early adopters. Researchers and policymakers plan to utilize TEMPO data to study the impact of air pollutants on various aspects, such as children’s asthma symptoms and the sources of ozone pollution.

Conclusion

The launch of the TEMPO satellite mission marks a significant step towards addressing air pollution in the United States. By providing real-time updates and detailed data on air quality, TEMPO will contribute to efforts to achieve the SDGs, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). This mission will empower researchers and policymakers to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to improve air quality and protect public health.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Air pollution levels (specifically nitrogen dioxide) measured by the TEMPO satellite instrument.
• Changes in air quality over time, including hot spots of pollution around major cities.
• Levels of ground-level ozone and fine particulate pollution (PM2.5).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: nytimes.com

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