NASA releases first U.S. pollution map images from new instrument launched to space: “Game-changing data”

NASA Releases First Data Maps of Air Pollution from Space

NASA has released the first data maps from a new instrument monitoring air pollution from space. The visualizations show high levels of major pollutants like nitrogen dioxide — a reactive chemical usually produced when fossil fuels are burned for transportation, power generation, and other industrial activities, as well as wildfires — in the atmosphere over parts of North America.

The pollution maps “show high levels of nitrogen dioxide over cities in the morning, and enhanced levels of nitrogen dioxide over major highways,” the agency explained in a news release. Pollution dissipated in those areas in the early afternoon before ramping up again later as cities experienced “their second rush hour of the day.”

Air Pollution Hotspots

• Urban areas in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean identified as hotspots for air pollution
• High levels of nitrogen dioxide detected over cities such as Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Monitoring Air Pollution with TEMPO

Air pollution is being observed by a light analyzer called the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO), which was launched into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in April. TEMPO currently observes Earth from 22,000 miles above the equator. It measures sunlight as it reflects off of the Earth’s surface, clouds, and the atmosphere to determine the amount of gas present.

TEMPO’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – TEMPO’s comprehensive bank of air pollution data can help monitor and improve the quality of the air we breathe, benefiting human health.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – TEMPO’s monitoring of air pollution from fossil fuel burning contributes to the understanding of the environmental impact of energy production and consumption.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – TEMPO’s identification of air pollution hotspots in urban areas can inform policies and initiatives aimed at reducing pollution and creating healthier cities.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – TEMPO’s data on air pollution, including the impact of wildfires, contributes to the understanding of climate change and its effects on air quality.

Benefits of TEMPO’s Data

• TEMPO is the first space-based instrument designed to continuously measure air quality over North America with high resolution.
• TEMPO’s data can help communities and decision-makers access and use air pollution data to monitor and improve air quality.

“Neighborhoods and communities across the country will benefit from TEMPO’s game-changing data for decades to come,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “NASA and the Biden-Harris Administration are committed to making it easier for everyday Americans and decision-makers to access and use TEMPO data to monitor and improve the quality of the air we breathe, benefiting life here on Earth.”

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, which is directly related to human health and well-being (SDG 3). It also highlights the presence of air pollution in urban areas, emphasizing the need for sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Additionally, the article mentions the effects of climate change, indicating a connection to SDG 13.

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.

The targets identified are directly related to the issues discussed in the article. They focus on reducing deaths and illnesses caused by 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 deaths and illnesses related to air pollution
• Air quality index in urban areas
• Integration of climate change measures in national policies and planning

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, the identified targets can be measured using indicators such as the number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution, air quality index in urban areas, and the extent to which climate change measures are integrated into national policies and planning.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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: cbsnews.com

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