Evanston Public Library Launches Air Quality Monitoring Program to Support Sustainable Development Goals

Partnership and Community Engagement

The Evanston Public Library (EPL) has initiated a collaborative program with the Stead Center, NAACP, and the Unitarian Church of Evanston to enhance community awareness and action on air quality. This initiative allows any Evanston resident holding a library card to borrow air quality monitoring devices, enabling them to assess the air quality in and around their homes.

Program Objectives and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment

This program directly contributes to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by monitoring PM2.5 levels, the program aims to reduce respiratory health risks associated with air pollution.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by empowering residents to gather and share air quality data, the initiative promotes healthier urban environments.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – through increased awareness and data collection, the program supports local efforts to address environmental challenges.

Technical Details of the Air Quality Monitors

The air monitors measure levels of PM2.5, a pollutant commonly found in smoke, haze, and dust, known to cause significant and irreversible damage to respiratory systems. Additionally, the devices record humidity and temperature data, providing comprehensive environmental insights.

Program Development and Funding Challenges

Originally, the program was intended to be a citywide, equitable air monitoring network supported by federal funding. However, due to budget cuts during the Trump administration, the NAACP had to scale back the plan. Andrew Wymer, professor at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, explained:

“We had applied for a grant worth several hundred thousand dollars with other local nonprofits, but the funding was withdrawn. The partnership with the library offers a cost-effective, small-scale alternative to advance air quality monitoring without the need for extensive funding.”

Data Sharing and Community Impact

Users of the air monitors can upload their data to the PurpleAir network. This process not only shares individual data globally but also generates detailed, neighborhood-level air quality information for Evanston, fostering informed community action.

Targeted Outreach and Environmental Justice

The program particularly focuses on outreach within census tracts 8092 and 8096, located in Evanston’s Fifth and Second Wards, areas historically affected by environmental injustices. The NAACP aims to empower residents in these communities to monitor and address air quality concerns.

Historical Context and Ongoing Environmental Challenges

The Fifth Ward has a history of air quality issues, notably related to the Church Street Waste Transfer Station. In 2019, the City of Evanston conducted a case study to investigate potential contaminant emissions from the station, which is situated in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Despite inconclusive results, community activism has persisted, focusing on odor problems, environmental equity, and legal concerns regarding the station’s establishment.

Program Benefits and Future Prospects

Andrew Wymer highlighted the renewed interest among local environmental groups and the NAACP in addressing air quality challenges, stating:

“This program offers a tangible method for residents near the Church Street Waste Transfer Station to obtain real-time air quality readings, supporting ongoing advocacy efforts.”

Benjamin Heet, EPL Program Officer, confirmed that the air quality monitors will remain available for circulation as long as they remain functional, with no current plans for expansion due to funding constraints.

Summary of Key Program Features

1. Community Access: Air quality monitors are available for checkout to all Evanston residents with a library card.
2. Data Integration: Users can upload monitoring data to the PurpleAir network for broader analysis.
3. Focus on Environmental Justice: Targeted outreach in historically impacted wards to promote equitable health outcomes.
4. Support for SDGs: The program advances health, sustainable cities, and climate action goals.
5. Long-term Commitment: Continuous device circulation supported by grant funding, with ongoing community engagement.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses air quality monitoring to assess PM2.5 levels, which directly impact respiratory health.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The initiative aims to improve urban air quality and create healthier living environments in Evanston.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Monitoring air pollutants contributes to climate action by addressing pollution and its effects on the environment.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The program targets specific wards with predominantly Black communities, addressing environmental justice and inequalities.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between the Evanston Public Library, NAACP, Stead Center, and other groups exemplifies partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. 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.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Air Quality Indicator (PM2.5 Levels)
   • The article mentions the use of air quality monitors measuring PM2.5 concentrations, which is a key indicator for air pollution and health risk assessment.
2. Data Upload and Sharing via PurpleAir Network
   • Uploading data to the PurpleAir network allows for tracking and mapping air quality trends, supporting community-level monitoring and transparency.
3. Community Engagement and Access
   • Number of residents using the air monitors (library card holders) and focused outreach in specific wards can serve as indicators of inclusiveness and equity in environmental monitoring.
4. Health Outcomes (Implied)
   • Although not explicitly mentioned, reductions in respiratory illnesses related to PM2.5 exposure would be an implied indicator of progress toward health targets.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: evanstonroundtable.com