These 6 California metro areas are among most polluted in U.S., American Lung Association says
These 6 California metro areas are among most polluted in U.S., American Lung Association says Yahoo News Canada
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California’s Most Polluted Metropolitan Areas
Six California spots are among the top 10 most polluted metropolitan areas in the United States, according to the American Lung Association’s 2024 State of the Air report.
The American Lung Association issues report cards for all U.S. cities and counties where air quality data is collected on ozone and particle pollution. Metro areas are ranked from cleanest to most polluted in terms of pollution.
The American Lung Association’s State of the Air report for 2024 ranked U.S. cities and graded counties based on ozone and particle pollution during 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Data on ozone and short-term particle pollution at locations across the country came from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality System, as did data on year-round particle pollution by county.
What is the air quality in California metro areas?
Out of 228 metro areas, the Los Angeles-Long Beach area topped the list of spots with the most high ozone days. It had an annual average of about 175 high ozone days from 2020 to 2022.
With an annual average of 103 high ozone days, Visalia was the second-most polluted area nationwide. Visalia also ranked No. 2 in terms of the worst year-round particle pollution.
Bakersfield was the third most polluted metro in the United States, with 88 high ozone days per year on average. Bakersfield ranked No. 1 among metro areas with the worst year-round particle pollution and short-term particle pollution, according to the report.
The Fresno-Madera-Hanford area came in fourth place with an average of 52 high ozone days each year. The metro area also ranked third in terms of the worst year-round particle pollution and second for the worst short-term particle pollution.
Which US cities have the worst ozone pollution?
- Los Angeles-Long Beach
- Visalia
- Bakersfield
- Fresno-Madera-Hanford
- Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona
- Denver-Aurora, Colorado
- Sacramento-Roseville
- San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad
- Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, Utah
- Houston-The Woodlands, Texas
What are the top 10 worst cities for particle pollution?
These 10 metro areas had the worst year-round particle pollution:
- Bakersfield
- Visalia
- Fresno-Madera-Hanford
- Eugene-Springfield, Oregon
- San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland
- Los Angeles-Long Beach
- Sacramento-Roseville
- Medford-Grants Pass, Oregon
- Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona
- Fairbanks, Alaska
These 10 metro areas topped the list for the worst short-term particle pollution:
- Bakersfield
- Fresno-Madera-Hanford
- Fairbanks, Alaska
- Eugene-Springfield, Oregon
- Visalia
- Reno-Carson City-Fernley, Nevada
- San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland
- Redding-Red Bluff
- Sacramento-Roseville
- Chico
What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed in the Article:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Targets Identified:
- 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 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Indicators Mentioned or Implied:
- Average number of high ozone days per year
- Worst year-round particle pollution
- Worst short-term particle pollution
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. | – Average number of high ozone days per year – Worst year-round particle pollution – Worst short-term particle pollution |
| 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. | – Average number of high ozone days per year – Worst year-round particle pollution – Worst short-term particle pollution |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Average number of high ozone days per year – Worst year-round particle pollution – Worst short-term particle pollution |
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 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
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 include:
- Average number of high ozone days per year
- Worst year-round particle pollution
- Worst short-term particle pollution
The average number of high ozone days per year indicates the level of air pollution and its impact on human health. The worst year-round particle pollution and worst short-term particle pollution indicate the presence of harmful particles in the air, which can also have adverse health effects.
4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators’ to present the findings from analyzing the article.
| 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. | – Average number of high ozone days per year – Worst year-round particle pollution – Worst short-term particle pollution |
| 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. | – Average number of high ozone days per year – Worst year-round particle pollution – Worst short-term particle pollution |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Average number of high ozone days per year – Worst year-round particle pollution – Worst short-term particle pollution |
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: ca.news.yahoo.com
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