NASA, EPA Tackle NO2 Air Pollution in Overburdened Communities – NASA Science

Addressing Air Quality Disparities: NASA Data on NO2 Now Available in EPA’s EJScreen

Introduction

For the first time, NASA data about nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a harmful air pollutant, is available in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) widely used Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJScreen). This update marks a crucial step in addressing air quality disparities in overburdened communities across the United States.

Importance of NASA’s NO2 Data

“Having access to this accurate and localized NO2 data allows organizations like ours to understand the air quality challenges we encounter, and to advocate more effectively for the health and well-being of community residents,” said Samuel Jordan, president of the Baltimore Transit Equity Coalition.

Enhancing EJScreen with NO2 Data

Previously, EJScreen included data on ozone, fine particulate matter, and various other environmental hazards. But it lacked information on NO2, which has been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma, especially in children.

NASA’s Commitment to Environmental Justice

“Incorporating NO2 data into EJScreen is a testament to how NASA’s Earth science capabilities can be applied to address crucial societal challenges,” said John Haynes, NASA’s program manager for Health and Air Quality. “This collaboration with the EPA underscores our commitment to using space-based observations to benefit public health and environmental justice.”

Impact of NO2 on Overburdened Communities

NO2 is emitted by burning fossil fuels and contributes to the formation of surface ozone. Communities of color and lower-income populations often live closer to highways, factories, transportation hubs, and other NO2 sources than their wealthier counterparts. As a result, residents are exposed to higher levels of this air pollutant and others, exacerbating health inequalities.

Study on Warehouse-Related NO2 Levels

For example, a new NASA-funded study used satellite data and other information to show that nearly 150,000 warehouses in the U.S. increase local NO2 levels and are predominantly located in marginalized communities. The findings reveal a 20% increase, on average, in near-warehouse NO2, linked to truck traffic and warehouse density.

Democratizing Access to NO2 Data

“NO2 is very short-lived in the air, and so its levels are high in the area where it is emitted,” said Gaige Kerr, study coauthor and an air pollution researcher at George Washington University in Washington, who was involved in incorporating NASA’s NO2 data into EJScreen. “This tool democratizes access to high-quality NO2 data, allowing individuals without a background in data analysis or data visualization to access and understand the information easily.”

Using NASA’s Aura Satellite Data

EJScreen uses data from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA’s Aura satellite and computer models to provide average annual NO2 estimates at the census block level, revealing the amount of chronic surface-level NO2 that people may be exposed to in their neighborhoods.

Collaboration and Data Integration

The dataset was developed with contributions from George Washington University, the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, and Oregon State University in Corvallis. The data integration was made possible through a NASA grant to the Satellite Data for Environmental Justice Tiger Team (part of NASA’s Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team), which worked closely with the EPA to ensure the data’s accuracy and relevance.

NASA’s Contribution to Air Quality Research

NASA uses a variety of instruments on satellites, aircraft, and ground stations to continually gather data on key air pollutants. Scientists supported by NASA and other researchers monitor the origins, levels, and atmospheric movement of these pollutants. Their research offers crucial Earth-observation data that can guide air quality standards, shape public policies, and inform government regulations, ultimately aiming to enhance economic and human welfare.

Future Possibilities with TEMPO

The Aura satellite recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary. In the future, Kerr said, the team could explore using NO2 data from NASA’s new TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) instrument on the Intelsat commercial satellite.

Conclusion

TEMPO launched in 2023 and offers hourly daytime measurements, rather than OMI’s once-daily measurements. This capability could further enhance the EPA tool, providing insight on pollution levels throughout the day and supporting proactive air pollution management.

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 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the issue of air pollution, specifically nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and its impact on health and environmental justice. These issues are directly connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. The article also highlights the disparities in air quality and exposure to NO2 in marginalized communities, which relates to SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities. Additionally, the article mentions the location of NO2 sources near highways, factories, and transportation hubs, highlighting the importance of sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and climate action (SDG 13). Finally, the article mentions the impact of NO2 on the environment and its contribution to surface ozone, which is relevant to SDG 15, which aims to protect and restore ecosystems and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

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 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• 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, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

Based on the article’s content, the following targets can be identified:
– SDG 3.9: The article discusses the harmful effects of NO2 on respiratory health, linking it to asthma and other respiratory issues.
– SDG 10.2: The article highlights the disparities in air quality and exposure to NO2 in marginalized communities, emphasizing the need for social and economic inclusion.
– SDG 11.6: The article mentions the location of NO2 sources near highways, factories, and transportation hubs, indicating the need to address air quality in urban areas.
– SDG 13.1: The article discusses the contribution of NO2 to climate change and the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.
– SDG 15.1: The article mentions the impact of NO2 on the environment and the need to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

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 in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air pollution.
– Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of the population living below the national poverty line in urban areas.
– Indicator for SDG 11.6: Ambient air pollution levels in cities.
– Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
– Indicator for SDG 15.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

The article mentions the harmful effects of NO2 on health, which can be measured through the number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution. The disparities in air quality and exposure to NO2 in marginalized communities can be measured through the proportion of the population living below the national poverty line in urban areas. The impact of NO2 on air quality in cities can be measured through ambient air pollution levels. The need for resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards can be measured through the presence of national and local disaster risk reduction strategies. The conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems can be measured through the forest area as a proportion of total land area.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: science.nasa.gov