Camden County Air Quality Committee Launches in Response to 2024 State of the Air Report | Camden County, NJ
Camden County Air Quality Committee Launches in Response to 2024 State of the Air Report Camden County, NJ
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Camden County Air Quality Committee Launched to Improve Air Quality and Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
The Camden County Air Quality Committee has been established to address the persistent issue of air pollution in the region. The committee’s primary objective is to provide guidance to the Camden County Board of Commissioners, municipal authorities, and regional partners in order to enhance the health and well-being of residents and visitors by reducing levels of contaminants.
Committee’s Focus on Sustainable Development Goals
The committee recognizes the importance of aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach to improving air quality. The following pillars have been identified as key areas of focus:
- Fleet electrification and charging infrastructure
- Solid waste operations
- Regional engagement
- Green space
- Indoor air quality
- Finance and funding mechanisms
Collaborative Efforts to Improve Air Quality
The committee acknowledges that addressing poor air quality requires close collaboration with regional partners and stakeholders. By working together, they aim to implement innovative solutions that align with the SDGs and deliver direct benefits to the community.
Camden County Commissioner Jeffrey Nash emphasizes the importance of education, electrification, monitoring, and unconventional approaches to address air quality issues, including food waste reduction.
American Lung Association Report Highlights Progress and Challenges
The recently released 2024 State of the Air report by the American Lung Association assesses air quality and its impact on public health. According to the report, Camden County has shown improvement by moving from a D to a C grade for ground-level ozone. However, the daily measure for fine particulate pollution has dropped from an A to a B. Fine particulate pollution is associated with various health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Michael Seilback, Assistant Vice President of Nationwide Advocacy for the American Lung Association, emphasizes the need for actions to improve air quality, such as building electrification and reducing pollution from transportation and power sectors.
Committee’s Commitment to Health and Sustainability
The Camden County Air Quality Committee is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the health and welfare of the community. Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young acknowledges the challenges outlined in the American Lung Association report but emphasizes the moral obligation to address outdated practices and prioritize residents’ well-being.
The committee’s diverse membership, including leaders, stakeholders, and community members, reflects its commitment to finding innovative solutions. Assemblyman Bill Moen expresses his excitement to be part of the committee’s collective effort to improve air quality and the lives of residents for generations to come.
Partnerships and Alliances for Cleaner Air
The committee recognizes that air pollution is both a local and regional issue. Collaboration with partnering agencies and organizations is crucial to achieving cleaner air. The committee is working closely with municipalities, schools, hospitals, businesses, state agencies, and regional partners to create a roadmap for resolving air quality issues.
Renee Pollard, co-chair of Tri-County Sustainability Environmental Justice, emphasizes the importance of partnering with agencies to improve air quality and health outcomes. Ben Saracco of Camden for Clean Air highlights the committee’s commitment to environmental health and sustainability in Camden County and Camden City.
Committee’s Impact on South Jersey and Beyond
Poor air quality in South Jersey and Camden County has significant health implications for residents. Doug O’Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey, highlights the committee’s focus on electrifying vehicles to reduce air pollution and improve lung health.
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission recognizes the importance of the committee’s efforts in improving air quality in Camden County and beyond. Sean Greene, Manager of the Office of Freight and Clean Transportation, emphasizes the collaborative approach needed to address air pollution.
Committee’s Contribution to Health and Climate
Air pollution has severe health consequences, with fossil fuel pollution causing one in five premature deaths annually. Dr. Elizabeth Cerceo, Director of Climate Health at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, emphasizes the committee’s dedication to improving air quality and community health.
The Camden County Air Quality Committee’s work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and aims to create a healthier and more sustainable future for Camden County and the tri-state area.
The full State of the Air Report can be accessed here.
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
The article discusses the issue of air quality and its impact on public health. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The article also mentions the Camden County Air Quality Committee’s focus on electrification, reducing air pollution, and building charging infrastructure, which aligns with SDG 11’s target of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Additionally, the article highlights the connection between air pollution and climate change, linking it to SDG 13’s goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change. Finally, the mention of green space and improving environmental health connects to SDG 15’s goal of protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
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 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above can be identified. These targets focus on reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution, improving air quality in cities, integrating climate change measures into policies, and ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution
- Air quality index or levels of contaminants
- Percentage reduction in air pollution from transportation and power sectors
- Extent of electrification and availability of charging infrastructure
- Conservation and restoration efforts in green spaces
The article mentions the improvement in air quality from a D to a C for ground-level ozone, indicating progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses related to air pollution. The daily measure for fine particulate pollution is also mentioned, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress in reducing air pollution. The focus on electrification, charging infrastructure, and reducing air pollution from transportation and power sectors implies indicators such as the percentage reduction in air pollution from these sources. The mention of green space highlights the importance of conservation and restoration efforts, which can be measured through indicators such as the extent of green space protected or restored.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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. | – Air quality index or levels of contaminants – Percentage reduction in air pollution from transportation and power sectors – Extent of electrification and availability of charging infrastructure |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Percentage reduction in air pollution from transportation and power sectors |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | – Conservation and restoration efforts in green spaces |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: camdencounty.com
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