U.S.-Mexico border residents fed up with air pollution from ceaseless traffic: ‘It’s a public health issue’
U.S.-Mexico border residents fed up with air pollution from ceaseless traffic: 'It's a public health issue' The Cool Down
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Residents of El Paso, Texas Demand Action on Toxic Air Pollution
Residents of El Paso, Texas who live near a port of entry from Mexico are speaking out against the toxic air pollution that is choking their neighborhood. The Bridge of the Americas, one of the busiest ports of entry in the region, has become a major source of air pollution due to the idling vehicles, particularly transport trucks, that pass through it.
What’s happening?
The Bridge of the Americas was originally built to facilitate easier connections between families on both sides of the border. However, it is now heavily used by commercial vehicles transporting goods across the border. Local residents are calling for an update to the bridge’s outdated infrastructure, but there are concerns that this may prioritize commercial interests and worsen pollution levels.
“It’s a public health issue,” said community organizer Cemelli de Aztlan.
Why is El Paso’s pollution problem concerning?
Residents living near the bridge are experiencing health issues due to exposure to the pollution from idling traffic. One resident, Ricardo Leon, developed a cough from exposure to diesel fumes. Air pollution from vehicles can also increase the risk of asthma, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Heavy-duty trucks release more toxic pollution than passenger vehicles.
The Environmental Protection Agency has rated the air toxics cancer risks in the neighborhoods surrounding the bridge as being in the 95th to 100th percentile range compared to other areas of the country. Additionally, air pollution has been linked to higher suicide rates and altered brain development in children.
What’s being done about toxic pollution?
The General Services Administration is considering designs for a new port that may include a prohibition on commercial vehicles. The new bridge will also have more lanes, which some believe may worsen pollution issues, while others argue that increased efficiency could reduce idling and therefore decrease pollutants in the area.
Other cities and countries have taken steps to reduce pollution from traffic. For example, Stockholm has banned diesel and petrol cars from entering the city center, and Scotland is transforming urban neighborhoods into “20-minute cities” to improve access to public transit.
Individuals can also contribute to reducing air pollution by changing their mode of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or taking public transit whenever possible.
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 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
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.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied 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 air pollution.
- Indicator for SDG 11.6: Air quality index or levels of air pollutants in the affected area.
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Implementation of policies and measures to reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change impacts.
4. 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. | Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air 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. | Indicator: Air quality index or levels of air pollutants in the affected area. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator: Implementation of policies and measures to reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change impacts. |
Explanation:
– The article highlights the health issues faced by El Paso residents due to air pollution, connecting to SDG 3 which aims for good health and well-being.
– The concerns about pollution in the neighborhood and the need for infrastructure updates relate to SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities.
– The mention of air pollution contributing to climate change and its impacts aligns with SDG 13, which addresses climate action.
– The identified targets under these SDGs are based on the need to reduce deaths and illnesses from pollution, improve environmental impact in cities, and integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
– The indicators mentioned in the article include the number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution, air quality index or pollutant levels, and the implementation of policies to reduce pollution and mitigate climate change impacts.
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: thecooldown.com
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