This past summer, the Northeastern United States found itself grappling with the worst air quality since the 1960s. The culprit? Smoke from Canadian wildfires, which was carried down by winds and spread across the region. This is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a wider problem. Climate change is causing more frequent wildfires and as a result, roughly 1 in 4 Americans—that’s approximately 83 million people—are exposed to unhealthy air quality each year.
The Clean Air Act of 1970, along with other regulations, has significantly improved air quality over the years. However, the relentless march of global warming is causing a deterioration in air quality, threatening to undo the progress we’ve made. The health benefits achieved from stricter pollution regulations since the 1960s could be reversed if this deterioration continues. This could potentially lead to increased premature deaths and heart attacks, a grim prospect for public health.
There’s also an economic impact to consider. An observable trend suggests that people are moving away from areas with low air quality. This is resulting in decreased property values and tax revenues in these areas, posing a significant challenge for local economies.
While a significant decline in air quality has been observed in West Coast states like California, Oregon, and Washington, it’s a mistake to think that this is a problem confined to the West Coast. Predictions point to an increasing number of days with unhealthy Air Quality Index (AQI) across the country due to climate change.
A report from the First Street Foundation paints an even bleaker picture. It states that the number of Americans exposed to polluted air could increase to 125 million within decades, even with continued efforts to tighten regulations on factory and car pollutants.
However, the report also suggests ways to navigate air pollution. It recommends keeping smoke out of the house and regularly changing HVAC filters to improve indoor air quality when outdoor air is poor. These steps, while not a solution to the larger problem of air pollution, can help mitigate the impact on individuals’ health.
While the challenges posed by deteriorating air quality are significant, they are not insurmountable. With concerted effort, strict regulations, and individual action, we can work to improve the air we breathe and safeguard the health of millions of Americans.
Science4Data is committed to cut through greenwashing and measure real impact. Join the journey to a sustainable future. Your actions matter.
