Report on Air Quality, Public Health, and Sustainable Development

Introduction: Air Quality as a Core Component of Sustainable Development Goals

Air quality is a critical determinant of public health and a foundational element for achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The presence of pollutants in the air poses significant risks to human health, ranging from minor irritations to severe cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, thereby directly challenging the objectives of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The sources of this pollution are intrinsically linked to human activities, including energy production, transportation, and industrial processes. Therefore, addressing air quality is essential for progress on SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Sources and Composition of Air Pollution

Primary Sources of Contaminants

Outdoor air pollution originates from both anthropogenic and natural sources. The primary contributors are linked to development patterns that are not aligned with sustainability principles.

• Human Activities: The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum for electricity generation, heating, industrial operations, and transportation is the leading cause of air quality degradation. This highlights the urgent need to transition towards cleaner energy systems as outlined in SDG 7.
• Natural Sources: Events like wildfires, which are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, release vast amounts of smoke and particulate matter. Other sources include dust and natural allergens.

Key Pollutants of Concern in Wisconsin

Two principal pollutants are monitored for their significant health risks:

• Ground-level Ozone (O3): A secondary pollutant, often referred to as smog, that is not emitted directly but forms from chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight and heat.
• Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5): A complex mixture of extremely small solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air, with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or less.

Health Impacts of Air Pollutants: A Challenge to SDG 3

Exposure to air pollution directly undermines progress towards SDG 3 by increasing morbidity and mortality rates.

Health Effects of Ground-Level Ozone

Ozone is a potent respiratory irritant that can cause immediate and long-term health damage, even at low concentrations. Health consequences include:

• Respiratory distress, including shortness of breath, coughing, and throat irritation.
• Inflammation and damage to the airways.
• Aggravation of chronic lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis.
• Increased frequency of asthma attacks.
• Cardiovascular effects, including heart attacks, strokes, and increased blood pressure.
• Potential for lower birth rates and premature death.

Health Effects of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

Due to their microscopic size, PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and enter the bloodstream, posing severe health risks. Exposure is linked to:

• Cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
• Reduced lung function and development.
• Aggravation of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
• Increased risk of developing diabetes, dementia, and cancer.
• Premature death from heart and lung diseases.

The Nexus of Climate Change and Air Quality (SDG 13)

Climate change and air quality are inextricably linked, creating a feedback loop that hinders progress on SDG 13: Climate Action. Rising global temperatures create conditions favorable for the formation of ground-level ozone and increase the risk of wildfires, a major source of PM2.5. Conversely, many of the greenhouse gases driving climate change, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are co-emitted with air pollutants from the same sources, primarily the burning of fossil fuels. Integrated strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions will therefore yield co-benefits for public health by improving air quality.

Vulnerable Populations and Health Equity (SDG 10)

While poor air quality affects all individuals, the burden is not distributed equally, highlighting a critical challenge for SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Certain demographic groups exhibit heightened vulnerability:

• Sensitive Groups: Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with pre-existing heart or lung conditions face a greater risk of adverse health outcomes.
• Environmental Injustice: Due to systemic inequities, low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately located near major sources of pollution. These populations experience higher exposure rates and suffer from greater health burdens, exacerbating existing health disparities.

Monitoring, Public Awareness, and Community Initiatives

The Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized tool used by public agencies to communicate daily air quality levels to the public. It provides a simple, color-coded scale to report on pollutants like ozone and PM2.5, enabling individuals, especially those in sensitive groups, to take protective measures and reduce exposure.

Love My Air Wisconsin Program

The “Love My Air Wisconsin” initiative is a collaborative project that exemplifies a community-focused approach to building sustainable and healthy communities, in line with SDG 11. The program’s goals are to:

• Deploy a network of air quality sensors at schools to track real-time, hyperlocal PM2.5 pollution.
• Make air quality data accessible to students, families, and the surrounding community.
• Provide education on the health impacts of air pollution and actions to mitigate exposure.
• Promote solutions such as anti-idling campaigns and the use of the EPA’s Air Quality Flag Program.

Strategies for Improving Air Quality and Protecting Public Health

Protective Measures During Poor Air Quality Events

1. Monitor local air quality forecasts through official sources like airnow.gov.
2. Remain indoors with windows closed during high-pollution days.
3. Utilize high-efficiency indoor air purifiers or filtration systems.
4. Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.
5. For individuals with respiratory conditions, adhere strictly to prescribed medication plans.
6. Consider wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator to reduce inhalation of particulate matter when outdoors is unavoidable.

Long-Term Mitigation Actions for Sustainable Development

Individual and collective actions are required to achieve systemic improvements in air quality and advance the SDGs.

• Promote Sustainable Transportation (SDG 11): Reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles by utilizing public transit, carpooling, walking, and cycling. Advocate for and adopt electric vehicles and support the electrification of public transport fleets.
• Advance Clean Energy (SDG 7 & 13): Conserve electricity to reduce demand on power plants. Support the transition to renewable energy sources. Improve energy efficiency in homes and buildings through audits and upgrades.
• Foster Sustainable Communities (SDG 11): Plant trees to filter pollutants and cool urban environments. Limit residential wood burning, especially during air quality advisories. Advocate for local government policies that reduce emissions and promote green infrastructure.
• Adopt Sustainable Practices: Switch from gas-powered lawn equipment to electric or manual alternatives. Avoid engine idling and ensure regular vehicle maintenance to minimize exhaust emissions.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

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

The article on air quality and its health impacts connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary connections are with goals related to health, sustainable cities, climate action, clean energy, and reducing inequalities.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article’s central theme is the direct impact of air pollution on human health. It extensively details how pollutants like ozone and PM2.5 can cause or worsen conditions such as “asthma, heart attack and stroke,” and even lead to “premature deaths.” This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The article identifies the “burning of natural gas, coal, biomass, and wood for energy” as a primary cause of air pollution. It also proposes solutions such as using less energy, choosing “energy efficient appliances,” and switching to electric vehicles, which are all related to transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The article explicitly addresses the disproportionate impact of air pollution on vulnerable populations. It states that “due to environmental injustice and systemic racism, low-income communities and communities of color are more likely to live near more sources of air pollution and unhealthy air quality, and therefore face more negative health outcomes.” This highlights the goal of reducing inequalities within and among countries.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article discusses pollution sources common in urban and community settings, such as “petroleum-powered vehicles, industrial operations,” and traffic. The “Love My Air Wisconsin” program, which focuses on installing air quality sensors in Milwaukee Public Schools, is a direct effort to make a city’s environment safer and more sustainable, particularly for its children.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: A clear link between air quality and climate change is established. The article explains that “Climate change creates conditions that lead to increased levels of ground-level ozone and particle pollution” and that the “human activities that create high levels of ozone and particle pollution” also release greenhouse gases. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of combating climate change and improving air quality.

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

Based on the issues and solutions discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. 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 is entirely focused on this target. It details the numerous illnesses caused by air pollutants, from “watery eyes and cough” to “heart attacks and strokes” and “premature deaths.” The entire purpose of the public information and programs described is to mitigate these health impacts.
2. Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
   • The article recommends actions to “Use less energy” by conserving electricity, choosing “energy efficient appliances and heating systems,” and getting an energy audit. These actions directly contribute to improving energy efficiency.
3. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.
   • The article’s focus on air pollution from sources like “vehicle exhaust” and the implementation of the “Love My Air Wisconsin” program in Milwaukee to monitor hyperlocal air quality at schools directly addresses the need to improve urban air quality.
4. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • The article advocates for actions that serve both air quality and climate goals, such as reducing the use of fossil fuels. The “Love My Air Wisconsin” program, a collaboration between state health programs and other organizations, represents a strategic plan to address the health impacts of environmental issues exacerbated by climate change.
5. Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
   • The article itself is an educational tool. Furthermore, the “Love My Air Wisconsin” program’s goals include making “air quality data accessible to school staff, families and neighbors” and providing “support and education about actions everyone can take.” It creates resources like “Air quality lesson plans for pre-K-12 educators” and “Training videos” to build capacity and awareness.

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 and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• For Target 3.9: The article implies the use of health statistics to measure progress. The mention of the “Asthma Burden Report 2020” suggests that tracking the incidence and prevalence of asthma and other respiratory and cardiovascular diseases linked to air pollution serves as a key indicator. The ultimate indicator is the mortality rate attributed to ambient air pollution (Indicator 3.9.1), as the article frequently mentions “premature deaths.”
• For Target 11.6: The article explicitly mentions the key indicator for urban air quality: annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) (Indicator 11.6.2). The entire “Love My Air Wisconsin” program is built around a “network of low-cost neighborhood air quality sensors” designed to “track real-time, hyperlocal fine particle pollution (called particulate matter or PM2.5).” The Air Quality Index (AQI) is also presented as a primary tool for reporting daily air quality.
• For Target 13.3: Progress can be measured by the development and dissemination of educational programs and resources. The article describes the creation of a “LMA WI Support Team Toolkit, Outdoor Activity Guide based on the AQI (Air Quality Index), Educational resources(opens external link), and Training videos.” The number of schools participating in the program, the installation of “Anti-idling signs,” and the use of the “LMA WI app” are all quantifiable indicators of increased awareness and institutional capacity.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dhs.wisconsin.gov