EPA grants to enhance air pollution monitoring in region
EPA grants to enhance air pollution monitoring in region GazetteNET
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EPA grants to enhance air pollution monitoring in region
Summary:
Amherst’s Hitchcock Center for the Environment will be taking an active role in ensuring rural communities in the area are part of an expanded regional air pollution monitoring network, while Holyoke residents will be among those benefiting…
Introduction
Amherst’s Hitchcock Center for the Environment has received a grant of $500,000 from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expand and deepen community-based air pollution monitoring in the Connecticut River Valley region. The grant aims to include rural communities in the existing Healthy Air Network, and also incorporate measuring extreme heat as a related climate risk. The Hitchcock Center will also support youth engagement and action on air pollution.
Background
In 2021, the state attorney general’s office backed the installation of 75 long-term air quality monitors in neighborhoods in Holyoke, Easthampton, Greenfield, Athol, Springfield, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, and Westfield. Additional communities near the Interstate 91 corridor were added to the program in early 2023, including Northampton, Amherst, Hadley, Deerfield, Sunderland, Orange, and Palmer.
Collaboration and Impact
The Hitchcock Center will collaborate with the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts and other community partners in the region to address the intersection of air quality, climate change, and health. The goal is to develop problem-solvers who can tackle environmental challenges. The grant will help improve access to clean air and water, promote climate resilience solutions, and support environmental justice initiatives.
Conclusion
The EPA grants will enhance air pollution monitoring in the region and contribute to the overall goal of environmental justice. By including rural communities and measuring extreme heat as a climate risk, the project aims to improve air quality and promote a healthier environment for all residents. The collaboration between the Hitchcock Center and community partners will empower youth and create a better world for future generations.
1. The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:
– SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
– SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
– SDG 13: Climate Action
2. The specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content are:
– 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 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:
– Air pollution monitoring network expansion in rural communities.
– Training and education on air pollution monitoring.
– Measuring extreme heat as a related climate risk.
– Youth engagement and action on air pollution.
– Installation of long-term air quality monitors in neighborhoods.
– In-home environmental remediations for vulnerable residents.
4. Table:
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|——|———|————|
| 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. | – Air pollution monitoring network expansion in rural communities.
– Training and education on air pollution monitoring. |
| 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. | – Measuring extreme heat as a related climate risk.
– Youth engagement and action on air pollution. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Installation of long-term air quality monitors in neighborhoods.
– In-home environmental remediations for vulnerable residents. |
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: gazettenet.com
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