Report on Air Quality Advisories in the United States and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

On Labor Day, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued air quality alerts for Oregon, Arizona, and Idaho due to hazardous levels of ground-level ozone and particulate matter, largely attributed to wildfire smoke. This event directly impacts the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The advisories prompted recommendations for citizens to alter daily activities, including transportation, to mitigate health risks and reduce further pollution, highlighting the critical intersection of public health, environmental quality, and sustainable living practices.

Analysis of Public Health Impacts and Alignment with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The primary concern raised by the air quality alerts is the immediate threat to human health, a core component of SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Affected Regions and Pollutant Levels

Air quality advisories were implemented in the following areas due to dangerous concentrations of pollutants:

• Arizona: An ozone high pollution advisory was in effect for the Phoenix Metro Area.
• Oregon: An air quality advisory for Klamath and Deschutes counties was issued due to wildfire smoke.
• Idaho: The Nez Perce Tribe issued an air quality advisory for its territory, also due to wildfire smoke.

Health Risks and Vulnerable Populations

The NWS and health experts warned of significant health effects, underscoring the importance of SDG Target 3.9, which seeks to reduce illnesses and deaths from air pollution. Vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected.

• General Symptoms: Pollutants can cause burning eyes, runny nose, and breathing difficulties.
• Aggravation of Existing Conditions: The pollution can worsen pre-existing heart and lung diseases.
• Vulnerable Groups Identified:
  1. Children and individuals under 18
  2. Seniors and older adults
  3. Pregnant women
  4. Individuals with respiratory problems, heart conditions, or diabetes
• Expert Testimony: Professor Jonathan Grigg of Queen Mary University of London confirmed “very clear links” between inhaling particulate matter and premature death from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, noting that children are especially vulnerable as their lungs are still developing.

Environmental Drivers and the Call for Sustainable Communities (SDG 11 & SDG 13)

The incident highlights the environmental challenges facing communities and the need for sustainable practices in line with SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements sustainable, and SDG 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change.

Root Causes: Wildfires and Ozone

The pollution events are linked to environmental factors exacerbated by climate change. Wildfires, a primary source of the particulate matter in Oregon and Idaho, are increasing in frequency and intensity, a critical concern for both SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). In Arizona, conditions were conducive to the formation of high levels of ground-level ozone, a pollutant often associated with emissions from vehicles and industrial processes.

Recommendations for Sustainable Urban Living

In response to the crisis, authorities urged behavioral changes that align directly with SDG Target 11.6, which aims to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The recommendations included:

• Reducing vehicular travel by urging citizens to carpool, telecommute, or use mass transit.
• Limiting the use of gasoline-powered equipment.
• Adhering to local burn restrictions to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Awareness

The NWS and the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow service continue to provide regular updates, demonstrating the importance of accessible information for public safety and informed decision-making. These events serve as a critical reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental health, public well-being, and sustainable development. Addressing the root causes of air pollution, including the factors driving climate change and unsustainable urban practices, is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring the long-term health of both populations and the planet.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The article extensively discusses the negative health impacts of air pollution. It explicitly states that pollutants can “cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems.” It also highlights vulnerable groups, including children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting conditions, which directly aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives for all.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The air quality alerts are issued for specific urban and metropolitan areas like the “Phoenix Metro Area” and cities such as “Bend and Richmond.” The article’s recommendations to “car pool, telecommute or use mass transit” are direct calls for more sustainable urban transportation to mitigate air pollution, which is a core component of making cities sustainable and safe.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • The article identifies “drifting wildfire smoke” as a significant source of air pollution in several regions. Wildfires are increasingly recognized as a climate-related hazard. The issuance of air quality warnings by the National Weather Service represents an adaptive measure to a climate-related disaster, which connects to the goal of strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate hazards.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

   • The article’s entire focus is on the health risks and illnesses caused by air pollution. The warnings from the National Weather Service and the advice from medical experts like Jonathan Grigg, who notes “very clear links between inhaling particles and earlier death,” directly relate to the objective of reducing illnesses and deaths from air pollution.

2. Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.

   • The article centers on the problem of poor air quality in cities and populated areas. The “ozone high pollution advisory” in Phoenix and the advisories in Oregon and Idaho are direct responses to the adverse environmental impact of cities. The recommendation to reduce the use of “gasoline-powered equipment” and to drive less further supports the connection to this target.

3. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

   • The article describes a system of public warnings (“air-quality alerts”) in response to a natural hazard (wildfire smoke). This system, which advises citizens on protective measures like limiting outdoor activities, is a clear example of a strategy to strengthen resilience and help the population adapt to the immediate impacts of a climate-related event.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

   • This indicator is implied when the article quotes an expert stating there are “very clear links” between inhaling particles and “earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.” The discussion of aggravated heart and lung conditions also points to the morbidity aspect measured by this indicator.

2. Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).

   • The article directly refers to the pollutants being measured. It states that “ground-level ozone and particulate concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels.” The mention of the Environmental Protection Agency’s “AirNow interactive map” implies a system for monitoring and reporting these specific pollutant levels, which is the basis for this indicator.

3. Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries that have national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.

   • The article provides evidence of a disaster risk reduction strategy in action. The fact that the National Weather Service issues “air-quality alerts” and provides specific guidance to the public (“Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors”) demonstrates a functional local and national strategy for mitigating the health impacts of a natural hazard.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newsweek.com