Brian Barton
Air pollution is a pressing health and environmental issue worldwide, contributing to one in ten deaths globally. While air quality has improved in some regions, pollution has increased in others, reversing previous progress. In the US, air pollution increased by 5.5% between 2016 and 2018 after a 25% decrease in the previous seven years. This increase has been attributed to factors such as increased driving, burning natural gas, and reduced enforcement of the Clean Air Act. Globally, carbon dioxide levels have risen faster in the last decade (2015-2024) than in the 1980s and 1990s, with emissions from burning fossil fuels increasing every decade since the 1960s. As a result, the rate of increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past 60 years is 100-200 times faster than previous natural increases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Annual increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past 5 years | 2.6 ppm per year |
| Comparison of current increase rate with the previous natural increase rate | 100 times faster than previous natural increases |
| Carbon dioxide levels today compared to human history | Highest they have ever been |
| Carbon dioxide levels compared to the Mid-Pliocene Warm Period | Similar to 3 million years ago, during the Mid-Pliocene Warm Period |
| Global atmospheric carbon dioxide levels in 1958 | 315 ppm |
| Global atmospheric carbon dioxide levels in 2024 | 422.8 ppm |
| Annual emissions of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels in the 1960s | 11 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year |
| Annual emissions of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels in 2024 | 37.4 billion tons |
| Total emissions of the six principal air pollutants in the US between 1970 and 2023 | Dropped by 78% |
| Air quality in the US since 2016 | Increased by 5.5% on average across the country between 2016 and 2018 |
| Number of additional premature deaths due to increase in fine particulate pollution between 2016 and 2018 | 10,000 |
| Air quality in the US in 2023 | Improved conditions on the west coast, but a deadly heat wave in Texas and unprecedented smoke from wildfires in Canada |
| Number of people living in counties that received an F for either ozone or particle pollution in "State of the Air" 2025 | 156 million |
| Number of people living in counties that got an F for all three air pollution measures in "State of the Air" 2025 | 42 million |
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What You'll Learn
- Air pollution in the US increased by 5.5% between 2016 and 2018
- The US emitted 66 million tons of pollution in 2023
- Carbon dioxide levels are higher than at any point in human history
- Climate change increases the risk of wildfires, which cause particle pollution
- The Clean Air Act has reduced pollution since the 1970s
Air pollution in the US increased by 5.5% between 2016 and 2018
The increase in air pollution is attributed to several factors, including rising natural gas use and increased driving, which have contributed to higher emissions. While coal use and related pollution have declined, the corresponding rise in emissions from natural gas and vehicles has more than offset these reductions. Additionally, wildfires, particularly in California, have played a significant role in driving up total national air pollution.
The decline in federal enforcement and a rollback of regulatory enforcement by the Environmental Protection Agency have also been identified as potential contributors to the rise in pollution levels. The Clean Air Act, which has played a major role in cutting pollution over the past five decades, may not have been sufficiently enforced in recent years, allowing pollution levels to rise.
Fine particulate pollution, known as PM2.5, has been a particular focus of concern. Its microscopic size allows it to be inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream, causing various health issues such as respiratory inflammation, lung cancer, and cardiovascular problems. The increase in PM2.5 pollution has had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, with research showing that communities of color are more likely to be exposed to unhealthy air and are at greater risk of associated health issues.
While the overall trend in air pollution levels between 2016 and 2018 represents a concerning shift, it is important to recognize that pollution control efforts have had some successes. For instance, emissions of air toxics declined by 74% from 1990 to 2017 due to federal and state regulations and technological advancements. However, the recent increase underscores the need for continued vigilance and action to protect public health and the environment.
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The US emitted 66 million tons of pollution in 2023
Air pollution is a pressing health and environmental issue worldwide, with significant impacts on people's quality of life and life expectancy. While air quality in the US has shown improvements since 1980, the country still faces challenges in reducing pollution levels. Notably, in 2023, the US emitted 66 million tons of pollution into the atmosphere.
This substantial amount of pollution primarily contributes to the formation of ozone and particles, the deposition of acids, and visibility impairment. The sources of these emissions vary and include vehicles, factories, and other pollution sources. Despite efforts to improve air quality, the US continues to grapple with the consequences of these emissions on human health and the environment.
The United States' emissions estimates are calculated based on monitored readings and engineering calculations that consider factors such as industrial activity, technological developments, fuel consumption, and vehicle miles traveled. According to the US EPA, between 1970 and 2023, the country witnessed significant increases in economic indicators such as gross domestic product (321% increase), vehicle miles traveled (194% increase), and energy consumption (42% increase).
Surprisingly, during the same period, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants dropped by 78%. This contradiction between increasing economic activities and decreasing pollution levels can be attributed to various factors, including regulatory measures, technological advancements, and shifts in energy sources. However, it is important to acknowledge that the impact of these emissions on human health and the environment is still a cause for concern.
While the US has made progress in reducing certain types of emissions, such as lead compounds, other pollutants continue to pose significant risks to public health and the environment. The EPA's air toxics program and other national and state regulations have successfully reduced airborne lead concentrations by 98% between 1980 and 2005. However, emissions from piston-engine aircraft and certain industrial sources remain significant contributors to pollution levels.
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Carbon dioxide levels are higher than at any point in human history
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that absorbs heat radiating from the Earth's surface and re-releases it in all directions. It is essential for keeping the average global surface temperature above freezing. However, human activities have significantly increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, and today, they are higher than at any point in human history.
The last time carbon dioxide levels were this high was during the Mid-Pliocene Warm Period, approximately 3 million years ago. During this period, the global surface temperature was 4.5 to 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 to 4 degrees Celsius) warmer than in the pre-industrial era. Sea levels were also much higher, at least 16 feet higher than in 1900 and possibly up to 82 feet higher.
The increase in carbon dioxide levels over the past 60 years has been remarkable. It has risen 100-200 times faster than the increase that occurred at the end of the last ice age 11,000-17,000 years ago. In the 1960s, atmospheric carbon dioxide increased by about 0.8 parts per million (ppm) per year. This growth rate doubled to 1.6 ppm per year in the 1980s and remained at 1.5 ppm per year in the 1990s. However, in the last decade (2015-2024), the annual increase has accelerated to 2.6 ppm per year. As a result, the global average carbon dioxide level set a new record high in 2024 at 422.7 ppm, a 3.75 ppm increase from 2023, the largest one-year increase ever recorded.
The primary source of this rapid increase in carbon dioxide is the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil. These fossil fuels contain carbon from millions of years of photosynthesis, and we are releasing this carbon back into the atmosphere in just a few hundred years. According to the Global Carbon Budget 2024, annual emissions of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels have increased from around 11 billion tons per year in the 1960s to an estimated 37.4 billion tons in 2024.
If we continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels to meet the growing global energy demand, carbon dioxide levels will continue to rise. Projections indicate that human emissions of carbon dioxide could reach 75 billion tons per year or more by the end of the century, leading to atmospheric carbon dioxide levels of 800 ppm or higher. Such conditions have not been seen on Earth for approximately 50 million years.
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Climate change increases the risk of wildfires, which cause particle pollution
Climate change is closely linked to wildfires and air pollution. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, transportation, and industrial processes release greenhouse gases and black carbon emissions, which fuel climate change. These pollutants trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, causing global warming and erratic weather patterns. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of wildfires, creating a vicious cycle.
The annual rate of increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past 60 years is about 100-200 times faster than previous natural increases, such as those that occurred at the end of the last ice age 11,000-17,000 years ago. In the 1960s, atmospheric carbon dioxide increased by about 0.8 parts per million (ppm) per year on average. This growth rate doubled to 1.6 ppm per year in the 1980s and has continued to accelerate, reaching 2.6 ppm per year in the last decade. As a result, carbon dioxide levels today are higher than at any point in human history.
The impact of this rapid increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is felt acutely in the form of more frequent and intense wildfires. Climate change enhances the drying of organic matter in forests, making them more vulnerable to fires. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions also contribute to the spread of insects that can weaken or kill trees, building up fuel for potential wildfires. Additionally, changes in land use and forest management further increase the risk of wildfires.
Wildfires themselves are a significant source of air pollution, releasing a range of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, including black carbon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants have severe impacts on human health and the environment. The smoke from wildfires can cause eye and respiratory illnesses, especially among children and the elderly. Additionally, wildfires that burn in residential areas can contaminate water systems with known carcinogens, posing further risks to public health.
The interconnectedness between climate change, wildfires, and air pollution cannot be ignored. Addressing super pollutants, such as black carbon, offers a vital solution to combat both the climate crisis and the harmful effects of air pollution. Breaking the vicious cycle between these interconnected issues requires a joined-up approach from governments and policymakers, focusing on reducing the impacts and occurrences of wildfires through preventive measures and addressing the root causes of climate change.
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The Clean Air Act has reduced pollution since the 1970s
While global pollution has increased in the last five years, the Clean Air Act has successfully reduced pollution in the United States since the 1970s. The Act, passed in 1970, tightened regulations in 1977 and was further amended in 1990. It has played a crucial role in reducing the country's air pollution and protecting public health and the environment.
The Clean Air Act has been instrumental in lowering the levels of six common pollutants: particles, ozone, lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, as well as numerous toxic pollutants. EPA partnership programs under the Act have been effective in reducing conventional air pollution, improving energy efficiency, and reducing oil imports. As a result, Americans breathe less polluted air and face lower risks of premature death and other serious health issues.
The Act has also prompted the deployment of clean technologies and innovations that reduce emissions and control costs. For instance, new cars, trucks, and non-road engines now use state-of-the-art emission control technologies. Additionally, sulfur in gasoline has been reduced by 90%, and sulfur in diesel fuel by 99%, from pre-regulation levels. The Act has also contributed to the protection of the ozone layer, reducing the risk of skin cancer and cataracts.
The financial benefits of the Clean Air Act are also significant. The US$65 billion in costs associated with implementing the Act's measures have been outweighed by reduced medical bills and increased worker productivity, resulting in an estimated US$2 trillion in benefits. The Act has also provided tax incentives and grants to reduce the cost of meeting emission standards for power and car companies, empowering the EPA to set stronger standards.
While the Clean Air Act has achieved substantial progress in reducing pollution, recent data shows an increase in harmful pollutants in the atmosphere, and the issue of CO2 emissions remains a concern. The Act continues to evolve through amendments and court decisions, such as the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which established carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels as an "air pollutant" within the Act.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a 2020 report by The New York Times, there was an average increase of 5.5% in fine particulate pollution across the United States between 2016 and 2018, reversing a decades-long trend of cleaner air.
The increase in pollution over the last 5 years can be attributed to various factors, including increased driving, the burning of natural gas, and a decrease in the enforcement of the Clean Air Act.
The increase in fine particulate pollution, also known as PM2.5, has been linked to various health problems, including asthma, respiratory inflammation, lung cancer, heart attacks, and strokes. According to the report, the increase in pollution between 2016 and 2018 was associated with nearly 10,000 additional premature deaths.
