How does Peoria and Illinois rank when it comes to air quality?
Air quality rankings for Peoria and Illinois according to report Peoria Journal Star
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Illinois’ Air Quality
Introduction
Illinois’ air quality received mixed grades from the American Lung Association’s annual “State of the Air” report released last week. The report highlights the importance of addressing air pollution and its impact on public health, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
Chicago’s Pollution Levels
While some counties in central and southern Illinois had low levels of pollution, areas in Chicagoland are some of the most polluted in the nation. The Chicago metropolitan area ranks 17th in terms of ozone pollution among all cities in the country. Ozone, a product of vehicle exhaust and industrial pollution, can have detrimental effects on lung health and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Impact on Public Health
The federal Environmental Protection Agency states that ozone pollution can aggravate lung disease, increase the frequency of asthma attacks, and make breathing difficult. These health impacts highlight the urgent need to address air pollution and work towards achieving SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Year-round Particle Pollution
The Chicago area also ranks as the 22nd most polluted city for year-round particle pollution. This type of pollution results from various sources such as construction, industrial waste, and car exhaust. It is crucial to address these sources of pollution to protect public health and achieve SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Communities
Kristina Hamilton, advocacy director at the American Lung Association, emphasized that air pollution disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. The presence of high levels of ozone and particle pollution in Chicago highlights the need to address environmental justice issues and work towards achieving SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Cleaner Air in Downstate Communities
While some areas in Chicagoland face significant air pollution challenges, downstate communities generally have cleaner air. Counties such as Adams, Effingham, and Jo Daviess received an “A” grade for having zero days with high ozone pollution levels. This demonstrates the potential for achieving cleaner air and aligning with SDG 13: Climate Action.
Air Quality in Peoria County
Peoria County received a “B” grade for both ozone and particle pollution. However, data was not reported for Tazewell and Woodford counties. These grades indicate the need for continued efforts to improve air quality and contribute to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
Changes in Springfield’s Air Quality
The Springfield area experienced a decline in air quality compared to the previous year. Sangamon County, which was previously ranked among the cleanest in the nation, received a “C” grade for ozone and a “B” grade for particle pollution. This highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and action to achieve SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Conclusion
Addressing air pollution and improving air quality in Illinois is crucial for protecting public health and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Collaborative efforts from government, organizations, and communities are needed to reduce pollution levels, promote environmental justice, and create a healthier and more sustainable future.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
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
The article discusses air pollution and its impact on health, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Additionally, the article mentions the high levels of ozone pollution in the Chicago area, which relates to SDG 11’s target of providing access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. Finally, the article highlights the sources of pollution, such as vehicle exhaust and industrial waste, which aligns with SDG 13’s goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
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 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution (SDG 3.9), improving air quality in cities (SDG 11.6), and integrating climate change measures into policies and planning (SDG 13.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of days with high ozone pollution levels
- Level of ozone pollution in the Chicago metropolitan area
- Ranking of cities based on particle pollution
The article mentions the number of days with high ozone pollution levels as a measure of air quality. It also highlights the ranking of cities based on particle pollution, indicating the level of pollution in different areas. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets of reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution (SDG 3.9) and improving air quality in cities (SDG 11.6).
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 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 days with high ozone pollution levels – Level of ozone pollution in the Chicago metropolitan area |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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. | – Ranking of cities based on particle pollution |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | N/A |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: pjstar.com
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