In a Hotter Climate, Some Trees Could Make Air Pollution Worse

As temperatures rise, trees release a chemical that worsens air quality

A new study has found that as temperatures rise, warmer weather will cause certain trees to release a chemical that worsens air quality. This has significant implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to air pollution and climate action.

Impact of Isoprene on Air Quality

In hot weather, trees such as oaks and poplars produce a compound called isoprene, which helps them cope with heat stress. However, in cities, isoprene reacts with car exhaust to form ozone, a pollutant that can cause lung damage when present at ground level.

This study aimed to determine whether climate change would cause trees to generate more or less isoprene. While isoprene production speeds up in warmer weather, it slows down at higher levels of CO2. To assess the potential impact of climate change, scientists at Michigan State University exposed young poplars to both high heat and high levels of CO2.

Temperature Effect Trumps CO2 Effect

The results showed that heat had a much greater influence on isoprene production than CO2. At a temperature of 95 degrees F (35 degrees C), CO2 had minimal impact on dampening isoprene production. Lead author Abira Sahux stated, “isoprene is pouring out like crazy” at this temperature. Therefore, the temperature effect trumps the CO2 effect.

Implications for Future Air Pollution

The findings of this study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, will help scientists predict the future production of isoprene by trees and its potential impact on air pollution. This information is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate air pollution and achieve the SDGs related to climate action and sustainable cities.

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SDGs, Targets and Indicators

1. 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.
   • Indicator: Levels of ground-level ozone, a pollutant that can cause lung damage.

2. 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.
   • Indicator: Impact of isoprene production by trees on air quality in cities.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator: Impact of climate change on the production of isoprene by trees.

The article addresses or connects to the following SDGs:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. SDG 13: Climate Action

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under these SDGs that can be identified are:

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 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Levels of ground-level ozone, a pollutant that can cause lung damage.
• Impact of isoprene production by trees on air quality in cities.
• Impact of climate change on the production of isoprene by trees.

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: e360.yale.edu

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