California is on the brink of facing even more days with poor air quality over the next three decades, according to a recent study by the First Street Foundation. The research highlights that the state already experiences significantly more days of unhealthy air compared to the rest of the United States.
The study attributes the worsening air conditions to the escalating impacts of climate change, including extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and an increase in wildfires. These factors are not only contributing to higher pollutant levels but are also reversing the progress California has made in improving air quality through stringent regulations and policies implemented in previous years.
As wildfires become more frequent and intense, the smoke and particulate matter they release are major contributors to the declining air quality. Additionally, rising temperatures exacerbate ozone formation, further degrading the air that residents breathe daily.
The First Street Foundation's report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and communities alike to address the intertwined challenges of climate change and public health. Mitigating these effects will require robust strategies to manage wildfire risks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to preserve the hard-earned air quality improvements.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
