Los Angeles' Long-Standing Battle With Air Pollution

Los Angeles, California, has long been associated with smog and air pollution. The city's air quality issues date back to before World War II, with industrial smoke and fumes so thick during a day in 1903 that residents mistook it for an eclipse of the sun. However, air pollution in Los Angeles reached its worst levels in the 1940s and 1950s due to a combination of factors, including a rapid increase in the number of automobiles, industrial emissions, and geographic and weather conditions that trapped pollutants. The introduction of catalytic converters in 1975 and the implementation of various environmental laws and regulations have helped to improve air quality in Los Angeles over the years, but it continues to be a problem, with the city receiving an 'F' grade for air quality in a 2023 national report.

Los Angeles' air quality history

Los Angeles has long been known for its smog, a combination of particle and ozone pollution. The city's air pollution can be attributed to various factors, including the burning of fossil fuels, especially by vehicles, ships, planes, manufacturing, and wildfires. The large population of Los Angeles, with an estimated 6.5 million vehicles in the city, also contributes significantly to its poor air quality.

The history of air pollution in Los Angeles dates back to the early 1940s when the first major appearance of toxic haze was recorded. The warm, sunny climate of the region contributes to the formation of lung-searing smog from tailpipe and smokestack emissions. The geography of the city, surrounded by mountains, also traps air pollution, preventing it from dispersing. This phenomenon is known as a marine inversion.

Despite efforts to improve air quality, Los Angeles continues to struggle with unhealthy levels of air pollution. In 2023, the city received an 'F' grade for air quality in a national report by the American Lung Association. The report highlighted that 98% of Californians live in communities with unhealthy levels of smog or fine particles. Los Angeles has also consistently ranked among the worst cities in the United States for PM2.5 and ozone pollution, which are harmful to human health and can lead to respiratory illnesses and premature death.

However, there have been some improvements in recent years. The 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act have helped reduce air pollution in Los Angeles over the last three decades. Additionally, the COVID-19 lockdown measures in 2020 resulted in a significant decrease in air pollution, with Los Angeles experiencing its longest stretch of clean air since at least 1995. The city has also seen a reduction in forest fires and burned acreage in recent years, which has contributed to improved air quality.

While Los Angeles still has a long way to go to meet the national air quality standards, the current sustainability plans and regulations provide optimism for the future of air quality in the region.

The impact of climate change

Los Angeles has long been known for its smog, a combination of particle and ozone pollution. The city's warm, sunny climate means that emissions from burning fossil fuels, vehicles, ships, planes, manufacturing, and wildfires cook into lung-searing smog. The basin geography of Los Angeles, surrounded by mountains, also traps air pollution.

Climate change is transforming how Angelenos live, with rising temperatures, worsening droughts, and more frequent and severe wildfires. The impact of climate change on Los Angeles is far-reaching and affects all aspects of life in the region.

Temperature Rise

Los Angeles County recorded a record-high temperature of 121 degrees Fahrenheit during a heatwave in 2020. Since 1901, temperatures in California have climbed by more than one degree Fahrenheit, with some areas surpassing two degrees. Nine of LA County's hottest years on record have occurred in the past decade. By 2100, California's daily maximum average temperature is projected to rise by 5.6 to 8.8 degrees Fahrenheit. This will result in a drastic increase in the number of extreme heat days, with downtown LA expected to experience up to 54 days of extreme heat annually, compared to just six such days in 2000.

The rising temperatures have severe consequences for human health, especially for those without access to air conditioning or those working outdoors. Heatwaves can increase the risk of death, exacerbate existing health conditions, impact children's learning abilities, and worsen air quality. Additionally, higher temperatures can make it more difficult to grow crops, threatening food security.

Drought

California is experiencing what may be its worst megadrought in 1,200 years, with climate change estimated to be responsible for about 46% of its severity. The drought has led to mass tree death, impeded landscape recovery after fires, and made it challenging for animals like salmon and bears to survive. Rising temperatures also dry out landscapes more rapidly, impacting water sources such as snow in the Sierra Nevada, which accounts for 60% of the state's freshwater.

Wildfires

Climate change has contributed to the increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires in California. Hotter temperatures cause vegetation to dry out faster, creating more fuel for fires. The warmer and drier conditions also stress trees, making them more susceptible to bark beetle attacks, which further fuel wildfires. While Santa Ana winds, which drive destructive wildfires, could decrease over time, the delay in the rainy season leaves the region more susceptible to wind-driven fires.

The increase in wildfires has led to more smoke exposure for residents, burnout among firefighters, and greater risks for nearby communities. Wildfires also contribute to the air pollution in Los Angeles, as they release particulate matter and ozone precursors into the atmosphere.

Sea Level Rise

Climate change is causing global sea levels to rise due to the thermal expansion of oceans and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets. By 2050, Santa Monica could see a sea level rise of up to 6.8 feet. This will result in the loss of beaches and increased erosion along the coastline. Additionally, rising ocean temperatures and acidity are threatening marine life, including crustaceans and coral reefs worldwide.

Social Impact

Action and Adaptation

California has implemented policies to address climate change, such as banning the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. Local governments, like the City of Los Angeles, have also taken initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as planting trees and installing cool roofs to reduce the urban heat island effect. However, there is a widespread recognition that more aggressive and systemic action is needed to tackle this global crisis.

The role of transportation

Los Angeles has long held the title of the smoggiest city in the United States, with air pollution being a problem for the city since the first major appearance of toxic haze in the early 1940s. The role of transportation in this issue has been significant.

After World War II, economic growth, population growth, rapid suburbanization, and the closing of some public transit systems led to a greater reliance on personal vehicles for transportation. The number of cars and trucks in the United States increased dramatically, as did the number of highways. This resulted in increased air pollution, especially in cities, which had serious impacts on public health and the environment. Los Angeles, with its large population, heavy vehicular emissions, and traffic congestion, is a prime example of this. It is estimated that there are 6.5 million vehicles in the city, contributing significantly to its poor air quality status.

The burning of fossil fuels by vehicles is a major source of air pollution in Los Angeles. Vehicle exhaust contains nitrogen oxides and reactive organic substances that react with sunlight to form ozone, a major component of smog. Traffic is frequently identified as a leading source of ozone pollution, which can cause respiratory infections, inflammation, and even premature death.

In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce transportation-related air pollution in Los Angeles. The 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act have helped improve air quality, and more recently, the city has set sustainability goals to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles. The current goal is to reach 25% zero-emission vehicles by 2025 and 100% by 2050.

While these efforts are promising, transportation remains a critical challenge in Los Angeles' fight against air pollution. The city's geography, surrounded by mountains, traps air pollution and contributes to the smog problem. Additionally, the warm, sunny climate cooks tailpipe emissions into lung-searing smog.

In conclusion, transportation has played a significant role in Los Angeles' air pollution issues, with vehicle emissions being a major contributor to the city's poor air quality. While efforts to reduce transportation-related pollution have shown progress, more work is needed to achieve healthy air quality for the city's residents.

The shipping industry's contribution

The shipping industry is a significant contributor to air pollution in Los Angeles, particularly in recent years as trade with Asia has expanded. The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach are the two busiest container ports in the United States, handling roughly 40% of U.S. imports. This high volume of shipping activity has a detrimental impact on the air quality in the region, especially in nearby communities such as Wilmington, San Pedro, and West Long Beach. These areas have some of the highest cancer risks from air pollution in the state and higher rates of asthma.

The large ships visiting the ports burn enormous amounts of fuel, emitting smog-forming pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). A single cruise ship can burn enough fuel oil in a 24-hour period to equal the pollution from 10,000 cars. The emissions from these ships contribute to the formation of smog, which Los Angeles is notorious for.

To address this issue, air quality officials have implemented measures such as requiring ships to shut down their auxiliary engines while docked and connect to shore power or use emissions control systems like "bonnets" or "socks on a stack". However, these rules do not apply to more than half of the ocean vessels visiting California each year. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the California Air Resources Board has proposed extending these restrictions to additional ports, ship calls, and vessel types. The goal is to increase the number of ship visits subject to these rules from about 43% today to about 71% by 2029.

The shipping industry has resisted these tougher rules, arguing that the cost of outfitting ships with shore power equipment is too high for the amount of pollution reduced. Despite this opposition, there is a growing recognition of the need to transition ships away from fossil fuels toward cleaner sources of power. The Clydebank Declaration, signed by 20 countries at the UN global climate summit in 2021, aims to establish at least six "green corridors" by the middle of the decade, eventually making it possible to require emissions-free ships on certain trade routes.

While the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach have made efforts to reduce emissions, such as phasing out dirty diesel sources and investing in shore power infrastructure, more needs to be done to mitigate the health impacts on surrounding communities. The South Coast Air Quality Management District projects that by 2023, ocean-going ships will surpass heavy-duty diesel trucks as the largest source of smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution in Southern California. This underscores the urgency of implementing more stringent measures to reduce emissions from the shipping industry and protect the health of those living in the region.

Efforts to improve air quality

Los Angeles has been plagued by air pollution for several decades, with the city earning an infamous reputation as the smoggiest metropolitan area in the US. The air pollution in LA is caused by a combination of particle and ozone pollution, resulting from the burning of fossil fuels, vehicular emissions, manufacturing, and wildfires. The city's geographical location in a basin surrounded by mountains also traps air pollution, further deteriorating the air quality. Despite these challenges, there have been significant efforts to improve the air quality in Los Angeles over the years. Here are some key initiatives:

Amendments to the Clean Air Act: The 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act have played a crucial role in improving Los Angeles' air quality. This federal legislation established standards for air quality monitoring, emission control, and enforcement, leading to a significant reduction in pollution levels.

Local and State Regulations: Local and state governments have been actively pursuing an agenda to reduce emissions from the transportation sector and other high-polluting industries. This includes the implementation of the Clean Air Action Plan in 2006, which has resulted in an 87% decrease in particulate matter and a 58% reduction in nitrogen oxides from port operations.

Shift towards Electric Vehicles (EVs): Motor vehicles are the leading source of city-wide PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, so the move towards electric vehicles is a promising development. Mayor Eric Garcetti has set ambitious targets to increase the share of zero-emission vehicles in the city, aiming for 25% by 2025 and 100% by 2050.

California Air Resources Board (CARB): Established in 1967, CARB is a state-level organization that works with local governments, businesses, and residents to research and implement effective air pollution policies. Their efforts have been instrumental in curbing smog-forming emissions from cars and other sources.

Advanced Clean Fleets Proposal: This proposal aims to establish zero-emission benchmarks for fleets of freight trucks, delivery vehicles, school buses, and garbage trucks. If approved, it is estimated to prevent 5,000 premature deaths by 2050.

Phasing out Older Locomotives: The Air Resources Board is also considering rules to phase out older locomotives, limit idling, and establish a framework for adopting zero-emission locomotives, reducing emissions from this source.

Wildfire Management: While wildfires are temporary and sporadic, they significantly impact Los Angeles' yearly average air pollution. Managing and preventing wildfires through controlled burns, fuel reduction, and other strategies can help minimize their impact on air quality.

Renewable Energy Sources: Increasing the percentage of the power grid that relies on renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing emissions from power consumption, which is a significant contributor to local air pollution.

These efforts have already led to noticeable improvements in Los Angeles' air quality, and the long-term trends are encouraging. However, as Erika Garcia, a postdoctoral scholar at the Keck School, notes, there is still much work to be done to ensure the health and well-being of Los Angeles' residents.

Frequently asked questions