Report on Air Quality Alert in Central Ohio and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has issued an Air Quality Alert for Central Ohio, effective Friday, September 19. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is projected to reach 101, a level classified as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” This event directly impacts the region’s progress toward key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This report details the alert’s causes, public health implications, and recommended actions aligned with these global goals.

2.0 Analysis of Air Quality Conditions and Public Health (SDG 3)

2.1 Meteorological Factors and Pollutant Levels

The deterioration in air quality is attributed to specific atmospheric conditions that hinder the natural dispersion of pollutants. These factors include:

• Upper-level high pressure situated over the Great Lakes, which inhibits atmospheric mixing.
• Calm to light northerly and northeasterly winds, which reduce the dispersal of thin smoke and other ground-level pollutants.

The resulting AQI of 101 signifies a direct threat to public health, a core component of SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

2.2 Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Air quality at this level poses a significant risk to sensitive groups, who are more susceptible to the adverse effects of pollution. These groups include:

• Active children
• The elderly
• Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD

MORPC advises that these individuals are more likely to experience an increase in the number and severity of symptoms. Protecting these populations is a critical aspect of achieving the universal health coverage targets within SDG 3.

3.0 Recommended Actions for Sustainable Urban Living (SDG 11 & SDG 13)

3.1 Immediate Public Health Protective Measures

To safeguard community health in line with SDG 3, the following immediate actions are recommended for all residents, especially sensitive groups:

1. Limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
2. Schedule necessary outdoor activities for the morning when air quality may be better.
3. Consult a physician if experiencing breathing difficulties.

3.2 Citizen Actions to Improve Air Quality and Support SDGs

MORPC has identified vehicular emissions as the primary source of local ozone pollution. By taking corrective action, citizens can directly contribute to creating more sustainable urban environments (SDG 11) and combating climate change (SDG 13). Recommended mitigation strategies include:

1. Reduce Vehicle Idling: Turn off vehicle engines when stationary to decrease unnecessary emissions.
2. Adjust Refueling Practices: Refuel vehicles after dusk when cooler temperatures reduce gasoline vapor formation. Avoid topping off the fuel tank to prevent vapor release.
3. Limit Use of Gas-Powered Equipment: Refrain from using gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, which are significant sources of pollutants.

These actions represent tangible steps the public can take to reduce the local pollution burden, fostering a healthier, more resilient community and contributing to global sustainability targets.

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

The article primarily addresses two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on the health implications of poor air quality. The issuance of an “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” alert directly links air pollution to human health. The text explicitly mentions that “Active children, the elderly, and people with asthma and COPD are more likely to suffer an increase in the number and severity of symptoms,” highlighting the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article discusses an environmental issue within a specific urban area, Columbus, Ohio. The problem of air pollution is framed as a city-level challenge managed by a regional planning commission (MORPC). The recommendations provided, such as reducing vehicle idling and using less gas-powered equipment, are actions aimed at making the urban environment safer and more sustainable by managing its environmental impact.

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

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 3.9

  “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.”

  The article directly relates to this target by focusing on the illnesses caused by air pollution. The warning for sensitive groups to limit outdoor activity is a measure to prevent an “increase in the number and severity of symptoms” and “breathing difficulties,” which are forms of illness resulting from exposure to air pollutants like ozone and particle pollution.

• Target 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.”

  This target is addressed through the article’s entire premise. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is actively paying “special attention to air quality” by monitoring it and issuing alerts. The article’s focus on the sources of pollution (vehicles) and recommendations for mitigation are direct efforts to reduce the adverse environmental impact of the city of Columbus.

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

Yes, the article mentions and implies specific indicators for measuring progress:

• Indicator for Target 3.9 (Implied)

  While the official indicator is 3.9.1 (“Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution”), the article implies a related measure of morbidity. The text mentions an “increase in the number and severity of symptoms” and advises those “experiencing breathing difficulties” to see a doctor. Tracking the incidence of such respiratory illnesses during Air Quality Alert days serves as a practical, localized indicator of health impacts from air pollution.

• Indicator for Target 11.6 (Mentioned)

  The official indicator is 11.6.2 (“Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted)”). The article provides a direct, real-time measure related to this indicator. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is explicitly mentioned as the tool used to measure “daily ozone and particle pollution levels.” The forecasted AQI value of 101 is a specific data point that serves as an indicator of the city’s air quality at a given time, contributing to the overall assessment of its environmental impact.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: cwcolumbus.com