Staff Reports
The Biden Administration is making changes to air pollution rules, aiming to lower particulate matter standards in some places. This move could make it harder for America to have enough energy without spending a lot of money, leading to higher costs for consumers, especially those with lower incomes. The reasoning behind this decision is often connected to human-caused climate change.
Air pollution is important to address, especially considering past events that pushed for better air quality. in 1948 in Donora, Pennsylvania, toxic fumes caused the deaths of twenty-one residents, leading to the creation of the Clean Air Act in 1970 after the first Earth Day. Since then, the U.S. has made significant progress in reducing pollutants like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide.
However, concerns about air quality worsening due to climate change persist. While higher temperatures can increase certain pollutants, more research is needed to fully understand the impact. Recent studies have shown mixed results on how increasing temperatures affect air quality close to the ground.
One study analyzed three decades of weather data from the Pittsburgh National Weather Service, focusing on surface temperature inversions. These inversions can trap pollution close to the ground when warm air sits above cooler air, as seen in the Donora incident. The research showed a decline in the frequency and strength of these inversions over time, suggesting both positive and negative effects from climate change.
While it’s clear the Earth is getting warmer, the extent to which humans are causing this change is not as straightforward as some activists claim. Urban development plays a significant role in increasing temperatures, a factor known as the “urban heat island” effect. More research is needed to confirm the findings on surface inversions and their relationship to climate change.
Understanding the complexities of climate change and its impact on air quality requires ongoing scientific research. It’s essential to approach the issue with a balanced view, considering both positive and negative outcomes. Administrations should base their decisions on solid evidence rather than on political agendas.
