Four most air-polluted national parks are in California

Air Pollution in National Parks

Pollution Disproportionately Affects Visitors

1. Nearly 97% of 399 key national park sites are experiencing “significant” or “unsatisfactory” levels of human-caused ozone pollution.
2. Weather and geography can make air quality worse in parks than in neighboring cities.
3. California parks have the worst air quality, with Joshua Tree, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks and Mojave National Preserve being the most affected.

Impact on Parks

• Air pollution harms plants and animals living in national parks.
• Ozone pollution damages foliage and makes it harder for plants to grow.
• Pollution from burned fossil fuels leads to toxic algae blooms and the spread of invasive species.
• Wildfires caused by pollution-rich environments are becoming more frequent and destructive.

What Can Be Done?

1. Rapidly limit emissions from transportation and industrial sectors.
2. Improve fuel efficiency in vehicles and transition to electric and zero-emission options.
3. Reduce pollution from coal- and gas-powered plants.
4. Take action to improve visibility in national parks through the Regional Haze Rule.
5. Connect urban areas with national parks via public transportation to reduce pollution and traffic congestion.
6. Advocate for funding and support for pollution-targeting projects and air quality monitoring.
7. Support stricter regulations on air pollution and encourage system-wide changes.
8. Limit vehicle emissions and energy use at home.

It is important for individuals planning a trip to a national park to check air quality reports before visiting. If pollution levels are high, it is recommended to consider reducing outdoor activities, staying indoors, and visiting during off-season whenever possible.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Addressed 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

Targets Identified Based on the Article’s Content

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.
2. 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.
3. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
4. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

• Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
• Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population-weighted).
• Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

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

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses the health risks posed by air pollution in national parks.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article mentions the adverse environmental impact of cities on air quality.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights the role of air pollution in contributing to climate change and its impact on national parks.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The article discusses the harm caused to plants and animals in national parks due to pollution and climate change.

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

Based on the article’s content, the following specific 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.
2. 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.
3. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
4. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution – This indicator can measure progress in reducing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution.
• Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities (population-weighted) – This indicator can measure progress in reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities on air quality.
• Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population – This indicator can measure progress in strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area – This indicator can measure progress in

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  Source: spokesman.com

   

  

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