11. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

2024 PM2.5 Annual Standard | NC DEQ

2024 PM2.5 Annual Standard | NC DEQ
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2024 PM2.5 Annual Standard | NC DEQ  NC DEQ

2024 PM2.5 Annual Standard | NC DEQ

EPA Tightens Air Quality Standards for Fine Particulate Matter

New National Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM2.5

In February 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a significant reduction in the annual health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The new standard will be tightened from 12.0 µg/m³ to 9.0 µg/m³, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages (SDG 3).

The decision was based on scientific evidence, technical information, and advice from an independent scientific panel. The EPA believes that this change will bring considerable public health benefits, advance the economy, and improve quality of life. By 2032, the new standard is expected to prevent 4,500 premature deaths and save $46 billion in public health costs.

North Carolina’s Air Quality Progress

North Carolina has seen a 49% decline in PM2.5 emissions between 1990 and 2020, thanks to collaborative efforts from various stakeholders. The state currently meets the previous PM2.5 annual standard and is expected to comply with the new standard as well.

However, preliminary data from 2023 indicates that four monitoring sites may be slightly above the new standard due to Canadian wildfire smoke. The state is preparing to submit an Exceptional Events demonstration to the EPA for these sites.

Designation Process for New Air Quality Standards

The designation process for the new air quality standard will take two years to complete, with state input and public comment opportunities. By February 2026, final designations will be made by the EPA based on monitoring data from 2022-2024.

Adjustments to the Air Quality Index

The revised PM2.5 annual standard will also result in changes to the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. The updated breakpoints will reflect more stringent targets for Code Green “good” days and an increase in Code Yellow “moderate” days.

  1. Good (0 – 50): 0.0 to 9.0 µg/m³
  2. Moderate (51 – 100): 9.1 to 35.4 µg/m³
  3. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101 – 150): No change
  4. Unhealthy (151 – 200): 55.5 to 125.4 µg/m³
  5. Very Unhealthy (201 – 300): 125.5 to 225.4 µg/m³
  6. Hazardous (301+): 225.5+ µg/m³

Actions to Reduce Harmful PM2.5 Emissions

North Carolinians can contribute to reducing PM2.5 emissions by adopting various practices such as using electric or hand-powered lawn equipment, carpooling, and attending community-wide firework displays.

  • Burn dry, seasoned wood
  • Reduce driving and vehicle emissions
  • Opt for cleaner outdoor grilling options

Ongoing Efforts to Improve Air Quality

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) continues its efforts to reduce PM2.5 emissions through grant programs, compliance enforcement, public education, and responding to air quality violations.

  • Supporting clean vehicle adoption
  • Ensuring regulated sources comply with air pollution rules
  • Educating the public on air pollution impacts and sources

This report underscores the importance of achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by improving air quality and reducing the impact of environmental hazards on human health.

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

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • 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?

The specific targets under the SDGs based on the article’s content are:

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

The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:

  • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
  • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).
  • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries with nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies, national adaptation plans, strategies as reported in adaptation communications and national communications.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Target 3.9: Reduce deaths and illnesses from pollution Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to pollution
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Target 11.6: Reduce environmental impact of cities Indicator 11.6.2: Levels of particulate matter in cities
SDG 13: Climate Action Target 13.2: Integrate climate measures into policies Indicator 13.2.1: Countries with climate contributions and plans

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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: deq.nc.gov

 

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