Philadelphia’s Black communities would suffer most from weakened air pollution rules
New air quality guidelines must be preserved | Opinion The Philadelphia Inquirer
sdgtalks
Clean Air Act and its Impact on Black Communities
The Clean Air Act in the United States is founded on the principle that every citizen, regardless of their location, is entitled to breathe clean and healthy air. However, despite a nationwide decrease in air pollution levels, Black communities, including those in Philadelphia, have not fully benefited from this promise.
Disproportionate Exposure to Air Pollution
Black neighborhoods in metropolitan areas like Philadelphia are disproportionately exposed to toxic air pollutants, particularly particulate matter, also known as soot. This hazardous pollutant is responsible for severe health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma, low birth weight, and infant mortality. The sources of soot, including tailpipes, smokestacks, and power plants, are often strategically placed in Black neighborhoods due to historical policy decisions like redlining and urban renewal.
- Black Americans are 300% more likely to die from particulate matter pollution than white Americans.
- Childhood asthma rates are highest in North and West Philadelphia and the Lower Northeast, which are predominantly Black neighborhoods.
Efforts to Address Air Pollution Inequality
Finding solutions for the disproportionate exposure of Black and Hispanic communities to particulate matter pollution has been challenging. However, the Biden administration has prioritized addressing air pollution inequality. In February, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened the annual air quality standard for particulate matter. This new standard aims to reduce pollution from industrial and mobile sources and is projected to prevent 800,000 asthma attacks and save over 4,500 lives annually by 2032.
Opposition to the New Standard
Despite the significant health benefits of the new particulate matter standard, some corporations and conservative members of Congress have criticized it as detrimental to job growth. Industry groups have even filed a lawsuit to stop the new rule, claiming it would negatively impact global competitiveness. Some Pennsylvania lawmakers are under pressure from industrial polluters and have not yet disclosed their stance on this issue.
Economic Impact of Pollution Limits
Contrary to claims that pollution limits are “job killers,” evidence shows that as emissions of major pollutants decreased by 74% between 1970 and 2018, the nation’s gross domestic product increased by 275%. Additionally, particulate matter standards have saved 230,000 lives and prevented more than 17 million lost workdays due to health-related air pollution effects.
Conclusion
Clean air safeguards have yielded impressive results, yet many elected officials still entertain polluters’ misleading arguments. With the climate crisis exacerbating air pollution through wildfires, it is crucial for lawmakers to prioritize cleaner air standards. A stronger standard translates to healthier communities and ecosystems. The well-being of our communities, particularly Black communities, should not be compromised for corporate profits.
Marvin C. Brown IV is a senior attorney at Earthjustice, a nonprofit public interest environmental law organization.
Analysis of SDGs in the Article
1. SDGs Addressed in the Article
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. Specific Targets Under the SDGs
- 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 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.
- 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. Indicators in the Article
- Indicator for Target 3.9: The article mentions the reduction in mortality from particulate matter pollution as a measure of progress.
- Indicator for Target 10.2: The disproportionate exposure of Black and Hispanic communities to particulate matter pollution is an implied indicator.
- Indicator for Target 11.6: The rate of childhood asthma in city neighborhoods can be used as an indicator.
- Indicator for Target 13.2: The implementation of strengthened air quality standards can serve as an indicator.
4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: Reduce deaths and illnesses from pollution | Reduction in mortality from particulate matter pollution |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: Promote inclusion of all | Disproportionate exposure to pollution in Black and Hispanic communities |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: Reduce environmental impact of cities | Childhood asthma rates in city neighborhoods |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate measures into policies | Strengthened air quality standards implementation |
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: inquirer.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
