Climate change threatens outdoor activities for children due to deteriorating air quality

A recent study reveals that climate change-induced heat waves and wildfires are negating progress in U.S. air cleanliness, jeopardizing outdoor safety for children.

Saul Elbein reports for The Hill.

In short:

The First Street Foundation's study predicts a return to 2004 air pollution levels by mid-century, erasing decades of clean air advancements.
This decline affects U.S. air quality, with an estimated 14 million households facing "unhealthy" air annually, exacerbating risks for children and sensitive populations.
California and other U.S. regions face increasing days of hazardous air quality due to wildfires and fossil fuel emissions, impacting more than 70% of Californians.

Key quote:

"We're wiping out two decades in air quality gains."

— Jeremy Porter, study coauthor

Why this matters:

Climate change poses ever-escalating challenges to public health and environmental policy, emphasizing a need for updated strategies to combat worsening air quality and its disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations.

www.ehn.org

Climate change threatens outdoor activities for children due to deteriorating air quality

Heatwaves, floods and wildfires pose rising threat to democracy, report finds

Rainforests can bounce back much faster than thought, researchers say

Judge blocks Trump admin’s actions targeting wind and solar

What a 5,000-mile long marine heat wave means for summer in the U.S.

Almost half of America’s kids are breathing toxic air

As feds suggest easing coal ash clean up regulations, Virginia maintains stringent standards

The Green New Deal has evolved. Now it's all about 'affordability'

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.