Johnson County, Indy area get low marks for air quality – Daily Journal
Johnson County, Indy area get low marks for air quality Daily Journal
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Air Quality in Johnson County
A graphic showing the sources of air pollution tracked by the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report. The report indicated Johnson County, as part of the Indianapolis metropolitan area, suffered from poor air quality in the three main areas measured.
Submitted image | American Lung Association
A new report on the air around Johnson County may be hard for many local residents to breathe in.
Poor Air Quality and its Impact
Days marred with ozone smog increased. Particle pollution — a mixture of solid particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, and liquid droplets found in the air — went up, and have earned the area including the county a failing grade.
Poor air quality can have lasting impacts on local residents and their quality of life.
”As it relates to health, air quality like this is going to exasperate any respiratory illnesses — so wheezing and coughing, shortness of breath, more asthma attacks, worse for anyone who has (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), as well as increased lung cancer,” said Tiffany Nichols, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in Indiana.
The State of the Air Report
The American Lung Association released its “State of the Air” report for 2024, gauging the amount of pollutants and dangerous particulates found in air throughout the United States. This year’s report was compiled by looking at three years of data for ground-level ozone pollution, short-term particle pollution and year-round average level of particle pollution.
Results for Johnson County
Johnson County, which was included in data for the Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie metropolitan area, saw middling to poor results in all three areas.
- Ground-level ozone pollution: Ranked 60th worst in the nation for ozone smog. Grade: C
- Short-term particle pollution: Ranked 32nd worst in the nation. Grade: F
- Year-round average of particle pollution: Ranked 11th worst in the nation. Grade: F
Despite the bleak report, officials say there are steps residents can take to help improve the quality of the air. According to the American Lung Association, prioritizing walking, biking and clean public transit over diesel or gasoline-powered vehicles can make a difference.
When heating and cooling, adjusting the thermostat just one degree can save money and reduce energy use. People also should avoid burning leaves, trash and wood whenever possible, according to association recommendations.
Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Poor air quality can have detrimental effects on human health, leading to respiratory illnesses, asthma attacks, and even premature death.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Improving air quality is crucial for creating sustainable cities and communities where residents can live in a healthy environment.
- SDG 13: Climate Action: The report highlights the impact of climate change on air pollution and emphasizes the need for more action to ensure clean air for everyone.
For full results, go to Lung.org/SOTA
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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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 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
- Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene.
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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 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population weighted).
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
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. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene. |
| 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 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population weighted). |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer. |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
– 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.
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
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. These indicators are:
– 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 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution, improving air quality in cities, and integrating climate change measures into policies and planning.
Overall, the article highlights the negative impact of air pollution on health and the environment, emphasizing the need for action to improve air quality and address climate change. The identified SDGs, targets, and indicators provide a framework for measuring progress and guiding efforts towards sustainable development.
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: dailyjournal.net
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