Sustainable Development Goals and Air Pollution
Air Quality and the Sustainable Development Goals
Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs aim to address global challenges such as poverty, health, and environmental sustainability. Goal 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, while Goal 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Air pollution directly impacts these goals by posing risks to human health and the environment.
Wildfires and Air Quality in the United States
During the summer of 2023, the East Coast and Midwest regions of the United States experienced hazardous air quality due to wildfires. Over 120 million Americans were living under air quality warnings, with cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee having some of the worst air quality globally.
These wildfires in Canada have burned an unprecedented 25 million acres, surpassing previous records. The fires have resulted in the loss of lives, displacement of thousands of people, and severe damage to the environment. Extreme weather conditions, including heat and dryness, have contributed to the severity of the wildfire season.
Industrial Pollution and Community Impact
While wildfires have affected air quality in various regions, some American communities have been grappling with poor air quality for years due to industrial pollution. One example is the Curtis Bay neighborhood in South Baltimore, located near a coal terminal. The neighborhood experiences significant pollution from coal dust and diesel emissions.
Residents of Curtis Bay have reported black soot accumulating on their homes and vehicles, causing health issues such as respiratory discomfort. Despite ongoing protests and legal actions, the coal terminal continues its operations, exacerbating air pollution in the community.
Challenges in Monitoring Air Pollution
Tracking and monitoring air pollution have historically been challenging. Land-based monitoring stations are limited in their coverage and may not capture the full extent of pollution in certain areas. Additionally, disadvantaged communities and people of color are disproportionately affected by air pollution.
To address these challenges, new technologies are being developed, including satellite-based monitoring systems. These systems, such as the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) satellite instrument, provide real-time air pollution readings across the entire country. TEMPO will enhance our understanding of air quality and help identify communities burdened by pollution.
Benefits of Real-Time Monitoring
TEMPO, a collaboration between NASA, NOAA, and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, will be launched in late August 2023. It will continuously monitor air pollution by measuring sunlight reflected from the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. The data collected by TEMPO will enable researchers to study air quality variations throughout the day and provide timely alerts during environmental disasters like wildfires.
Communities affected by air pollution, such as Curtis Bay, recognize the importance of data in advocating for cleaner air. Residents have been working with researchers to install air monitors near their homes, and TEMPO’s data will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of air quality in these areas.
By leveraging satellite technology and real-time monitoring, we can make significant progress towards achieving the SDGs related to health, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to clean air 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
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
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.
- SDG 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.
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: Ambient air pollution levels in cities.
- Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of deaths and economic losses attributed to climate-related hazards.
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
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. | 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. | Ambient air pollution levels in cities. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Number of deaths and economic losses attributed to climate-related hazards. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 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. | Forest area as a proportion of total land area. |
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: nonprofitquarterly.org
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