Report on Air Quality Advisory in New Castle County and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

An air quality alert has been issued for New Castle County, highlighting significant environmental and public health challenges that directly intersect with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The advisory, classified as Code Orange, underscores the urgent need for integrated strategies to address public health, environmental protection, and climate change, which are central to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of Health Impacts and Alignment with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has warned that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. This situation directly challenges the achievement of SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Vulnerable Populations at Risk

The advisory specifically identifies the following groups as particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor air quality:

• Children
• The elderly
• Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or other lung diseases

The health risks associated with airborne pollutants, particularly p.m.2.5 particles from sources like wildfire smoke, can range from minor irritation to severe cardiac and respiratory complications. Protecting these vulnerable populations is a critical target within SDG 3, emphasizing the importance of reducing the number of illnesses and deaths from hazardous environmental factors.

Environmental Context: A Call for SDG 11, SDG 13, and SDG 15

This air quality event is not an isolated incident but is linked to broader environmental issues, including wildfire smoke. This connection brings into focus the interconnectedness of several SDGs.

Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

Air quality is a key indicator of a safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environment. This alert serves as a reminder of the importance of Target 11.6, which aims to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.

Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on Land (SDG 15)

The presence of wildfire smoke as a primary pollutant highlights the cascading effects of climate change and ecosystem degradation. Addressing the root causes of increased wildfire frequency and intensity is essential for achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action). Furthermore, protecting forests and ecosystems from such events is a core component of SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Public Health Recommendations to Mitigate Risks

In response to the health threats posed by poor air quality, authorities have issued guidelines that empower individuals and communities to protect their well-being, directly supporting the preventative principles of SDG 3.

Protective Measures

1. Limit Outdoor Exposure: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities and exercise, particularly when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 101.
2. Secure Indoor Environments: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent polluted air from entering.
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality:
   • Utilize high-efficiency air purifiers.
   • Operate air conditioning systems on the “recirculate” setting with a clean, high-efficiency filter.
   • Minimize indoor pollution sources, such as burning candles, frying food, or using gas appliances.
   • Clean surfaces with a damp cloth to trap dust particles instead of making them airborne.
4. Use Personal Protective Equipment: If outdoor activity is unavoidable, wear a properly fitted N95 mask to filter harmful particulates.

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

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article directly addresses public health by issuing an “air quality alert” and warning that “air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups.” It details the health risks, including “asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases,” and notes that pollutants can cause “serious heart and lung issues.” This aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The article focuses on an environmental problem within a specific populated area, “New Castle County.” By discussing the management of air quality to ensure the safety of its inhabitants, it connects to the goal of making cities and human settlements safe, resilient, and sustainable. The issuance of alerts and safety recommendations are measures to manage the environmental impact on the community.

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

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
• Explanation: The article is centered on mitigating the health effects of air pollution. It identifies pollutants from “wildfire smoke” as hazardous and explicitly warns of potential “illnesses” for “sensitive groups,” such as “people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases.” The entire purpose of the alert and the provided safety measures is to prevent such illnesses.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• 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.
• Explanation: The article’s focus is on managing “air quality” in “New Castle County.” The “air quality alert” issued by the National Weather Service is a direct response to a negative environmental impact on the city. The article discusses how to measure and respond to this impact, which is central to Target 11.6.

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

Indicators for Target 3.9

• Health-based Air Quality Alerts: The article mentions a “code orange air quality alert,” which signifies that “air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups.” The frequency and severity of such alerts can serve as an indicator of the population’s exposure to harmful air pollution.
• Identification of Vulnerable Populations: The article explicitly identifies “sensitive groups” including “children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, and the elderly.” Tracking the health impacts on these specific groups is an implied method for measuring the burden of illness from air pollution.

Indicators for Target 11.6

• Air Quality Index (AQI): The article refers to the “Air Quality Index” and a specific threshold: “when the Air Quality Index reaches above 101, which is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups.” The AQI is a direct indicator used to measure and report on urban air quality.
• Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5): The article explicitly mentions “wildfire smoke particles, which are called p.m.2.5.” The concentration of PM2.5 is a key official indicator (Indicator 11.6.2) for measuring urban air pollution and its impact on human health.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: delawareonline.com