New Jersey’s Air Quality and Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
New Jersey has both some of the worst and best air quality in the nation, according to a recent report on air pollution released by the American Lung Association. This article will discuss the findings of the report, highlighting the importance of addressing air pollution in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Findings of the Report
- The Newark-New York City metropolitan area, which includes 13 counties in New Jersey, ranked 13th most ozone-polluted city in the nation. It also ranked 64th worst for fine particle pollution, with Union County being the most polluted county in the area.
- The Camden metropolitan area, which includes Philadelphia, Reading, and seven New Jersey counties, was the 35th most polluted metro area nationally. Bergen and Mercer counties received failing grades for “high-ozone days”.
- However, eight New Jersey counties scored A grades for the fewest high-ozone days and high-particle pollution days from 2020 to 2022.
Importance of Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in addressing air pollution and improving air quality. They provide a framework for countries and communities to work towards sustainable development, including the goal of ensuring clean air and promoting well-being for all.
Trends and Progress
According to Mike Seilback, the assistant vice president of nationwide policy at the American Lung Association, air quality in New Jersey is improving due to the steps taken on the local, state, and federal level. This progress is aligned with the SDGs and should be celebrated.
Comparison with Other States
- Western states like California, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, and Alaska fared worse in terms of air pollution, topping the report’s list of the most air-polluted places to live.
- More than 131 million people in the United States live in an area that received a failing grade for one of the pollutants measured in the report, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address air pollution.
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change is making it harder to reduce air pollution, as longer and hotter summers contribute to increased ozone levels. Additionally, extreme heat and drought driven by climate change have led to more wildfires, which further spike particle pollution.
“Highly populated areas in New Jersey and transportation hot zones like the I-95 corridor are hot zones for high-level ozone concentrations.”
– Jackie Greger, the Sierra Club’s New Jersey chapter
Efforts and Recommendations
New Jersey’s shift away from fossil fuels towards a 100% clean-energy economy by 2035 is commendable. However, more needs to be done to achieve the SDGs and reduce air pollution. The American Lung Association recommends several strategies:
- Forest management to prevent wildfires
- Full funding of the Environmental Protection Agency
- Defending the Clean Air Act on the federal level
In addition, states should phase out the use of coal, oil, gas, and other fossil fuels, prioritize clean energy production, reduce air pollution at ports, invest in zero-emission buses, electrify buildings, expand electric vehicle infrastructure, improve air quality monitoring, and invest in communities overburdened by pollution.
Conclusion
Addressing air pollution is crucial for achieving the SDGs and ensuring a healthy environment for all. New Jersey’s mixed results in the report highlight the need for continued efforts to improve air quality and reduce pollution. By implementing the recommended strategies and working towards the SDGs, New Jersey can contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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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 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Indicator: Proportion of total energy consumption derived from renewable sources.
-
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: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities.
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Indicator: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
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 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Proportion of total energy consumption derived from renewable sources. |
| 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. | Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) 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, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. |
Analysis
The issues highlighted in the article are related to air pollution and its impact on health and the environment. Based on this, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the impact of air pollution on health, indicating a connection to SDG 3. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 3.9, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from air pollution and other forms of pollution. The indicator mentioned in the article is the number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The article mentions New Jersey’s shift towards clean energy and its goal for a 100% clean-energy economy by 2035. This aligns with SDG 7, which focuses on affordable and clean energy. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 7.2, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The indicator mentioned in the article is the proportion of total energy consumption derived from renewable sources.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the impact of air pollution on cities, highlighting the need to pay special attention to air quality. This connects to SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 11.6, which aims to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The indicator mentioned in the article is the annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
The article mentions the impact of climate change on air pollution and the need for climate action. This aligns with SDG 13, which focuses on climate action. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 13.1, which aims to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. The indicator mentioned in the article is the number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters.
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Fuente: newjerseymonitor.com
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