Extreme heat making air quality worse in Memphis’ most polluted neighborhood
Hotter summers makes pollution worse in Memphis neighborhood | News FOX13 Memphis
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Pollution in Boxtown, Memphis: A Report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Introduction
Memphis, Tennessee is home to Boxtown, a neighborhood plagued by smog and chemicals, making it the most polluted neighborhood in the city. This report aims to highlight the impact of extreme summers in the Mid-South region on the pollution levels in Boxtown, while emphasizing the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for creating a safe and healthy living environment for all.
Increased Ozone Pollution
A recent investigation by Severe Weather Center 13 revealed an increase in ozone pollution in Memphis’ air. This rise in ozone levels has particularly affected neighborhoods like Boxtown, exacerbating the existing pollution issues.
Boxtown’s Pollution Challenges
Surrounded by the Valero oil refinery, the now shut-down TVA Allen Fossil plant, and federal super-fund site “Refined Metals,” residents of Boxtown have been suffering from pollution-related illnesses for years. The community has experienced significant harm, with many individuals developing cancer and other health problems.
Improvements in Air Quality
Over the past four decades, air quality in Memphis has improved significantly. However, the number of Code Orange days, classified as “unhealthy air for compromised people,” has fluctuated. From 1999 to 2019, particulate matter dropped by 46 percent, and ozone levels decreased by 20-25 percent. These improvements can be attributed to legislation such as the Clean Air Act of 1990.
Impact of Hotter Summers
In recent years, Memphis has experienced hotter summers, potentially linked to climate change or global warming. These hot and humid conditions contribute to poor air quality, leading to an increase in unhealthy days. In 2020, there were only four Code Orange days, but this number rose to seven in 2021, 13 in 2022, and 16 in the previous year.
Environmental Justice and SDGs
Low-income and minority communities, like Boxtown, bear the brunt of high levels of air pollution. Achieving environmental justice and addressing these disparities aligns with the SDGs, specifically Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal 13: Climate Action.
Conclusion
The progress made in improving air quality in Memphis is being undermined by the increasing heat and its impact on pollution levels. It is crucial for stakeholders to come together and take action to protect the health and well-being of communities like Boxtown. By working towards the SDGs, we can create a sustainable future for all.
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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 pollution and health issues faced by the community of Boxtown in Memphis. These issues are connected to the goals of ensuring good health and well-being (SDG 3), creating sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), taking action on climate change (SDG 13), and protecting life on land (SDG 15).
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 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- 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 related to reducing deaths and illnesses from pollution (SDG 3.9), improving air quality in cities (SDG 11.6), building resilience to climate-related hazards (SDG 13.1), and conserving ecosystems (SDG 15.1) can be identified.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of Code Orange days: The article mentions the number of Code Orange days, which indicates unhealthy air quality. This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards improving air quality and reducing illnesses from pollution (SDG 3.9 and SDG 11.6).
- Reduction in particulate matter and ozone: The article mentions the reduction in particulate matter and ozone levels over the past few years. This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards reducing air pollution and improving air quality (SDG 3.9 and SDG 11.6).
- Increase in ozone pollution: The article highlights an increase in ozone pollution in Memphis’ air. This can be used as an indicator to measure the impact of climate change on air quality (SDG 13.1).
The indicators mentioned or implied in the article include the number of Code Orange days, reduction in particulate matter and ozone levels, and increase in ozone pollution.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| 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. | – Number of Code Orange days – Reduction in particulate matter and ozone levels |
| 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. | – Number of Code Orange days – Reduction in particulate matter and ozone levels |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Increase in ozone pollution |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | N/A |
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: fox13memphis.com
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