Report on Air Quality Degradation in Michigan and its Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

An air quality advisory was issued for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula from July 29-31 due to significant smoke from Canadian wildfires. This event directly impacts several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The incident underscores the interconnectedness of environmental health, climate resilience, and public well-being, highlighting the urgent need for integrated strategies to address these global challenges.

Incident Analysis: Air Quality Advisory in Michigan

Advisory Details and Geographic Impact

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued an Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The advisory was effective from July 29 to July 31.

• Most Affected Areas: The central and western Upper Peninsula experienced air quality levels classified as “unhealthy” for the general public.
• Moderately Affected Areas: The eastern Upper Peninsula and parts of northern Michigan saw “moderate” air quality, primarily posing a risk to sensitive groups.
• Specific Readings: Air Quality Index (AQI) values reached 161 in Marquette, 160 in Seney, and 154 in Manistee, all within the “unhealthy” range (151-200).

Implications for Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Public Health Risks and Vulnerable Populations

The degradation of air quality presents a direct threat to public health, a core concern of SDG 3. The high concentration of PM2.5 from wildfire smoke challenges Target 3.9, which aims to substantially reduce illnesses and deaths from air pollution.

• General Public Health: Unhealthy AQI levels are harmful to all individuals, with authorities recommending a reduction in outdoor activities.
• Sensitive Groups: The risk is significantly elevated for vulnerable populations, including individuals with diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory illnesses. This aligns with the SDG principle of “leaving no one behind.”
• Recommended Protective Measures:
  1. Reduce or eliminate time spent outdoors.
  2. Monitor for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or dizziness.
  3. Refrain from activities that contribute to local air pollution, such as outdoor burning.

Linkages to SDG 11, 13, and 15: Resilient Communities and Environmental Stability

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

This event tests the resilience of communities to environmental hazards (Target 11.5) and underscores the importance of robust public information systems for managing urban air quality (Target 11.6). Residents were directed to monitoring resources to make informed decisions for their safety.

• MiAir Quality Index Dashboard
• AirNow.gov
• EnviroFlash alert system

SDG 13: Climate Action & SDG 15: Life on Land

The root cause of the air quality issue—uncontrolled wildfires—is intrinsically linked to climate change and terrestrial ecosystem management. As of July 23, Canada reported 56 uncontrolled wildfires, primarily in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador. This situation highlights critical challenges related to:

• Climate Action (SDG 13): The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires are recognized consequences of climate change, demonstrating the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards (Target 13.1).
• Life on Land (SDG 15): The wildfires represent a significant degradation of forest ecosystems, working against the goal of sustainable forest management and halting biodiversity loss (Target 15.2).

Technical Data and Pollutant Information

The Air Quality Index (AQI)

The AQI is a standardized index used to report daily air quality. It focuses on health effects one might experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. The index is divided into six color-coded categories, ranging from “Good” to “Hazardous.”

Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

The primary pollutant of concern during this advisory was PM2.5. This refers to fine inhalable particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.

• Source: In this case, the particles originate from smoke, soot, and dust from the Canadian wildfires.
• Health Impact: Due to their small size, these particles can travel deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and entering the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

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

   The article on air quality in Michigan due to Canadian wildfires touches upon several interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     This goal is central to the article, which focuses on the health impacts of poor air quality. It explicitly mentions that the “unhealthy air” is “harmful for the general public and especially sensitive groups, including residents with diabetes, heart disease, asthma or other respiratory illnesses.” The advisory recommends residents stay indoors and monitor for symptoms like “wheezing, coughing, chest tightness,” directly linking air pollution to human health and well-being.

   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

     The article’s core issue is the degradation of urban and regional air quality, a key concern of SDG 11. The focus on air quality in populated areas like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (Marquette, Seney, Sault Ste. Marie) and the measurement of pollution levels within these communities directly relate to making human settlements safe, resilient, and sustainable.

   • SDG 13: Climate Action

     While not explicitly stated, large-scale wildfires, like those in Canada mentioned as the source of the smoke, are widely recognized as being exacerbated by climate change. The transboundary nature of the smoke is a climate-related hazard. The article discusses adaptive measures, such as issuing air quality advisories and providing public monitoring tools, which are essential components of strengthening resilience to climate-related disasters.

   • SDG 15: Life on Land

     This goal is relevant as the root cause of the air pollution is identified as wildfires. The article states, “As of July 23, there were 56 uncontrolled wildfires in Canada.” This points to issues in protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly the sustainable management of forests, which is a key aspect of SDG 15.

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

   Based on the issues discussed, the following specific SDG 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 addresses this target by highlighting the health risks and illnesses (“wheezing, coughing, chest tightness”) caused by air pollution from fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

   • 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.” The entire article is an exposition of this target, focusing on the poor air quality in Michigan’s cities and regions and its impact on residents.

   • Target 13.1:

     “Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.” The issuance of an “Air Quality Advisory” by government agencies like EGLE and the National Weather Service is a direct example of an action to increase adaptive capacity and resilience to a natural, climate-related hazard (wildfire smoke).

   • Target 15.2:

     “By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.” The mention of “56 uncontrolled active fires” in Canada points to challenges in achieving sustainable forest management, which is the aim of this target.

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 several direct and indirect indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • Indicator for Target 11.6 (and relevant to 3.9): Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5).

     The article explicitly identifies “elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5)” as the cause of the advisory. It defines PM2.5 as particles “2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller” and notes it is a key pollutant measured by the Air Quality Index. This is a direct, measurable indicator.

   • Indicator for Target 11.6 (and relevant to 3.9): Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.

     The article is replete with specific AQI data points used to communicate the level of risk. It states, “Air quality in the Marquette area measured 161,” “Seney…had a reading of 160,” and “Manistee was registering 154.” These numerical readings are a clear indicator of air quality status.

   • Indicator for Target 13.1: Adoption and implementation of national disaster risk reduction strategies.

     The coordinated response described in the article serves as an indicator of such a strategy in action. The issuance of an “Air Quality Advisory” by the “Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)” and the provision of public information tools like the “MiAir Quality Index Dashboard” and “AirNow” demonstrate an implemented system for managing a natural hazard.

   • Indicator for Target 15.2: Progress towards sustainable forest management.

     While not a formal UN indicator, the “number of uncontrolled wildfires” mentioned in the article (“56 uncontrolled active fires”) serves as a practical, proxy indicator for the state of forest management and ecosystem health. A reduction in this number over time would indicate progress.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.9: Substantially reduce illnesses from air pollution.	Incidence of health symptoms (“wheezing, coughing, chest tightness”) and advisories for sensitive groups (those with diabetes, heart disease, asthma).
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, paying special attention to air quality.	Levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5); Specific Air Quality Index (AQI) readings (e.g., Marquette 161, Seney 160).
   SDG 13: Climate Action	13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.	Issuance of official Air Quality Advisories; Availability of public monitoring tools (MiAir Quality Index Dashboard, AirNow).
   SDG 15: Life on Land	15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests.	Number of uncontrolled wildfires (The article states there are “56 uncontrolled active fires” in Canada).

Source: freep.com