Chicago area under another air quality alert, but wildfire smoke isn’t the culprit

Air Quality Alert Issued for Chicago Area

An air quality alert has been issued for the Chicago area this week, but this time, the culprit is not wildfire smoke from western Canada.

Current Air Quality Level

According to the federal government’s Air Quality Index (AQI) tool, the current pollutant level in the air in the Chicago area is at 179 as of 5 p.m., which is considered to be in the “unhealthy” range.

Causes of Poor Air Quality

While wildfire smoke has largely been to blame for the poor air quality in Chicago recently, the PM 2.5 particulates normally associated with that smoke are actually at a low level, according to AQI officials.

Instead, the driving force is ozone pollution, which is being exacerbated by the hot temperatures in the Chicago area. The increased use of air conditioning is causing more pollutants to enter the atmosphere, along with typical pollution from cars and other machinery.

Actions to Reduce Pollution Levels

The air quality alert is calling for Chicago-area residents to reduce pollution levels, which can be achieved in a variety of ways. The first is by running thermostats at warmer temperatures to lower the usage of air conditioning this weekend, a tall order when heat indices could exceed 110 degrees.

Residents are also being urged to cut back on their car usage, carpooling to work or by linking trips instead of making one stop while out of the house, according to officials.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The air quality alert highlights the importance of maintaining good air quality for the health and well-being of Chicago residents.
2. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – By reducing pollution levels and promoting sustainable transportation options like carpooling, Chicago can work towards creating a more sustainable and livable city.
3. Goal 13: Climate Action – The alert emphasizes the impact of climate change on air quality, with hot temperatures and increased air conditioning usage contributing to ozone pollution.

Weather Outlook

Fortunately for Chicago residents, there is some relief on the way, but it will come at a price, as strong-to-severe thunderstorms could potentially impact the area on Friday, both in the morning and in the afternoon.

After that however, temperatures are expected to drop, with highs in the 70s by Saturday.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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.
   • Indicator: Air Quality Index (AQI) tool

2. 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.
   • Indicator: Air Quality Index (AQI) tool

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Indicator: Increased use of air conditioning causing more pollutants to enter the atmosphere

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: nbcchicago.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.