What landed Fargo on the list of U.S. cities with the worst short-term particle pollution?
What landed Fargo on the list of U.S. cities with the worst short-term particle pollution? MPR News
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Wildfire Smoke Contributes to Poor Air Quality in Fargo-Moorhead Area
According to the American Lung Association’s 2024 State of the Air report, the Fargo-Moorhead area is ranked 24th out of the 25 worst cities for short-term particle pollution in the United States. This ranking is based on Cass County’s average number of unhealthy air quality days, which averaged 7.2 days per year. The report includes air quality data from 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Air Quality
Wildfire smoke is identified as an ongoing cause of unhealthy air quality in the region, contributing to both short-term and long-term particulate pollution. This issue is closely linked to climate change and the resulting impacts of wildfire smoke.
Measurement of Air Pollution
The ranking utilizes data from a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitor in Cass County, which measures particle and ozone pollution. The monitor’s coverage area includes Cass and Richland counties in North Dakota and Clay and Wilkin counties in Minnesota, encompassing the cities of Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, Dilworth, Wahpeton, and Breckenridge.
Sustainable Development Goals
The issue of air pollution aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Adverse Health Effects of Air Pollution
Ozone pollution, also known as smog, is created when pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds are heated by sunlight. Particle pollution, on the other hand, is caused by factories, power plants, vehicle emissions, and fires. Both types of pollution have detrimental health effects on individuals exposed to them, particularly those with respiratory issues such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
National Statistics on Air Pollution
The 2024 State of the Air report reveals that 30 percent of Americans, or 131.2 million people, live in areas with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. Fargo is the farthest eastern city on the list of cities with the worst short-term particle pollution, with ten cities in California also included.
Improvements in Air Quality
Fargo appeared on the list last year as well, but it has moved down to the 24th position from its previous ranking of 22nd worst. This indicates a slight improvement in the number of days with unhealthy air quality in the region. However, there is still room for further progress.
Minnesota Cities Recognized for Clean Air
While Fargo-Moorhead struggles with air pollution, several cities in Minnesota have been recognized for their clean air. Duluth is ranked as the seventh cleanest city in the U.S. for year-round particle pollution and also made the list of cleanest cities for ozone air pollution. The Rochester-Austin area is the 19th cleanest city for year-round particle pollution and is also recognized for ozone air pollution. Additionally, the La Crosse-Onalaska area in Wisconsin-Minnesota is listed as one of the cleanest cities for ozone air pollution.
Disproportionate Impact on Lower-Income Communities
Poor air quality resulting from ozone and particle pollution disproportionately affects lower-income communities. Many of the plants emitting these pollutants are located in areas where lower-income communities reside. Individuals with respiratory issues are also more susceptible to the adverse effects of poor air quality.
Long-Term Effects and Recommendations
Long-term exposure to ozone pollution can cause lasting damage to respiratory health, while exposure to particle pollution increases the risk of lung disease. It is crucial for individuals to take air quality alerts seriously and limit their exposure during such alerts. Athletes, like runners, should avoid exerting themselves outside when air quality is poor.
The State of the Air report provides recommended actions for various stakeholders, including the federal government, state, territorial, and tribal governments, local governments, and individuals, to reduce air pollution. One of the suggested measures for individuals is to refrain from burning wood or garbage, as these activities emit particles that contribute to pollution.
For more information about the effects of particle and ozone pollution on lung health, as well as access to the full 2024 State of the Air report, visit the American Lung Association’s website at lung.org.
Stay informed about local news and events in the Fargo-Moorhead area by visiting our Fargo-Moorhead page. You can also participate in our local news survey and join our SMS club by clicking here.
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 13.1: 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?
- Number of unhealthy air quality days per year in Cass County (indicator for SDG 3.9)
- Ranking of cities based on short-term particle pollution (indicator for SDG 11.6)
- Ranking of cities based on annual levels of ozone pollution (indicator for SDG 11.6)
- Ranking of cities based on year-round average level of particle pollution (indicator for SDG 11.6)
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of unhealthy air quality days per year in Cass County |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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. | Ranking of cities based on short-term particle pollution |
| 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. | Ranking of cities based on annual levels of ozone pollution | |
| 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. | Ranking of cities based on year-round average level of particle pollution | |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | N/A |
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: mprnews.org
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