Where has the dirtiest air in the US? Report ranks cities with best and worst air quality.

America’s Air Quality: A Report on Metropolitan Areas

Introduction

A new report has revealed concerning findings about America’s air quality, highlighting the need for action to address this issue. The report, conducted by the American Lung Association (ALA), ranked the 10 best and worst metropolitan areas for air pollution. This article will provide an overview of the report’s findings and emphasize the importance of addressing air pollution in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Findings

The report analyzed daily and annual fine particulate matter averages and ozone pollution regulated under the Clear Air Act. It found that nearly 2 in 5 Americans live in areas that had a failing grade for at least one air pollution measure. This highlights the urgent need for measures to improve air quality across the country.

Impact on Health

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, poses significant health risks. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to asthma attacks, strokes, and various long-term health problems. The report emphasizes that there is no safe level of particle pollution, highlighting the need for immediate action to protect public health.

Worst Metropolitan Areas for Air Pollution

The report identified the top ten metropolitan areas with the worst air pollution. These areas are primarily located on the West Coast and face pollution from roadways, agriculture, oil and gas industries, and wildfires. The cities with the highest levels of pollution include Bakersfield, Fresno, and Visalia.

• Bakersfield, California
• Fresno, California
• Visalia, California
• Eugene-Springfield, Oregon
• Los Angeles-Long Beach, California
• Sacramento-Roseville, California
• Medford-Grants Pass, Oregon
• Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona
• Fairbanks, Alaska

Best Metropolitan Areas for Air Quality

On the other hand, some metropolitan areas have shown better air quality. These cities include Bangor, Maine; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Honolulu. However, it is important to note that most of the cities with the best air quality have a majority white population.

• Bangor, Maine
• Wilmington, North Carolina
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Casper, Wyoming
• Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, Hawaii
• Cheyenne, Wyoming
• Duluth, Minnesota-Wisconsin
• Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Anchorage, Alaska
• St. George, Utah

Conclusion

The findings of this report highlight the urgent need to address air pollution in America. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for taking action to improve air quality and protect public health. It is crucial for policymakers, industries, and communities to work together to reduce air pollution and create a healthier environment for all.

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

The article discusses the concerning findings about America’s air quality and its impact on human health. It highlights the risks of breathing in high levels of particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory ailments, cardiovascular problems, and even brain damage. These issues directly relate to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article mentions the rankings of metropolitan areas for air pollution, indicating that some cities are doing better than others in terms of air quality. This connects to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, including paying special attention to air quality.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article mentions that wildfires contribute to air pollution in the western U.S. This highlights the connection to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, including the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires.

SDG 15: Life on Land

The article mentions that agricultural production, shipping, and warehouses contribute to air pollution in certain cities. This relates to SDG 15, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests and agricultural lands.

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

Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

The article highlights the risks of breathing in polluted air and the adverse health effects it can have. This aligns with Target 3.9, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution and other forms of pollution.

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.

The article discusses the rankings of metropolitan areas for air pollution, indicating the need to address the adverse environmental impact of cities. This aligns with Target 11.6, which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of cities, particularly in terms of air quality.

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

The article mentions the contribution of wildfires to air pollution in the western U.S. This highlights the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, such as wildfires, as stated in Target 13.1.

Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

The article mentions the contribution of agricultural activities to air pollution in certain cities. This emphasizes the importance of sustainable land use practices, including the conservation and restoration of ecosystems like forests and agricultural lands, as stated in Target 15.1.

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

The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution (Indicator for Target 3.9)
• Air quality index or air pollution levels in cities (Indicator for Target 11.6)
• Frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as wildfires (Indicator for Target 13.1)
• Forest cover and quality of air in forested areas (Indicator for Target 15.1)

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators