Smoke from Wildfires Affecting Air Quality in Texas
Texas skies are hazy this week thanks to the combination of humidity and smoke drifting from various fires. Hazy conditions and poor air quality will remain through the weekend, according to data from AirNow.gov, the nation’s official website for air quality monitoring.
Where is the Smoke Coming From in Texas?
This week, active wildfires have been reported in California, New Mexico, Mexico, and Central America. Strong winds are carrying remnants of smoke to various parts of Texas, including Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Waco.
Contributing Factors to the Haze in Texas
According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), residual smoke from seasonal burnings and industrial activities is the primary contributing factor to the haze in Texas. The TCEQ stated that light to moderate winds combined with high relative humidity east of the dryline have kept elevated fine particulate matter concentrations widespread and are expected to continue.
Air Quality Index: Current Conditions across Texas
Much of the eastern portion of the state will experience moderate to unhealthy air quality conditions through Saturday. According to AirNow, here are the forecasted air quality indexes through Saturday:
- Amarillo: Good through the weekend
- Austin: Unhealthy for sensitive groups, moderate beginning Friday
- Corpus: Unhealthy for all, moderate beginning Friday
- Dallas-Fort Worth: Moderate through the weekend
- El Paso: Moderate through the weekend
- Houston: Unhealthy for sensitive groups, moderate on Saturday
- Lubbock: Good through the weekend
- Midland-Odessa: Good through the weekend
- San Antonio: Moderate
- Waco: Unsafe for sensitive groups, moderate and good on Friday and Saturday
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. | Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements |
| 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. | Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Monitoring of wildfires and their impact on air quality |
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
Explanation:
The article discusses the issue of poor air quality caused by smoke from wildfires and industrial activities in Texas. This is directly related to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. It is also connected to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, including paying attention to air quality. Additionally, the article mentions the impact of wildfires, which is relevant to SDG 13 and the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.
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.
- 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 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Explanation:
The targets identified align with the respective SDGs mentioned earlier. Target 3.9 focuses on reducing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution, which is directly related to the issue of poor air quality discussed in the article. Target 11.6 emphasizes the need to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality management. Target 13.1 highlights the importance of building resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, such as wildfires.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements
- Monitoring of wildfires and their impact on air quality
Explanation:
The article mentions the Air Quality Index (AQI) as a measure of air quality conditions in different parts of Texas. This indicator can be used to assess progress towards Target 3.9 and Target 11.6, as it provides information on the level of air pollution and its impact on health. Additionally, monitoring wildfires and their impact on air quality can serve as an indicator for progress towards Target 13.1, as it reflects the resilience and adaptive capacity of communities in dealing with climate-related hazards.
4. 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. | Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements |
| 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. | Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Monitoring of wildfires and their impact on air quality |
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: statesman.com
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