NASA recently announced a significant advancement in monitoring air quality across the U.S. by incorporating measurements of nitrogen dioxide into the Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJScreen). This key air pollutant, released through the burning of fossil fuels, can have serious health impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. The data was collected by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA’s Aura satellite, which has been providing valuable information on Earth’s air quality for the past twenty years.
By collaborating with scientists from NASA, the EPA, and three universities, the nitrogen dioxide data was aggregated and added to the latest version of EJScreen. This allows users to access color-coded maps displaying the levels of this harmful pollutant in their neighborhoods. The inclusion of this data is a crucial step in addressing environmental justice issues, as marginalized communities often bear the brunt of air pollution due to their proximity to sources like highways and industrial areas.
The updated EJScreen tool provides valuable insights for organizations advocating for better air quality standards and the health of community residents. The availability of accurate and localized data on nitrogen dioxide will enable more effective advocacy and policy-making to address air quality challenges. This information is especially important for understanding the disproportionate impacts of pollution on communities of color, low-income groups, and those with limited English proficiency.
In light of this development, the EPA has implemented new standards for heavy-duty trucks to reduce nitrogen oxide pollution by 80% starting in 2027. This move aims to further improve air quality and protect public health, particularly in areas where pollution levels are highest. Overall, the integration of satellite data into tools like EJScreen holds great promise for monitoring environmental and climate factors, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making and targeted interventions to address environmental justice issues.
