North America's Pollution: Causes And Concerns

Pollution is a pressing issue in North America, with a range of causes contributing to its adverse effects on the environment and public health. The primary sources of human-made air pollution include vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas for heating, manufacturing by-products, and power generation. In 2023, the United States alone emitted about 66 million tons of pollution into the atmosphere, significantly impacting air quality and public health. This issue is not unique to North America, as global waste is expected to increase to 3.4 billion tons by 2050, exacerbating environmental and health risks worldwide.

Vehicle emissions

The EPA's vehicle emissions standards aim to reduce both tailpipe and evaporative emissions, with a particular focus on gasoline sulfur content. By reducing the sulfur content of gasoline, the EPA has made it possible to implement new vehicle emission control technologies, which, in turn, reduce harmful emissions from existing vehicles. These standards are expected to lower atmospheric levels of ozone, fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and toxic pollution.

Despite the EPA's efforts, vehicle emissions remain a significant contributor to air pollution. Between 1970 and 2023, vehicle miles travelled increased by 194%, while total emissions of the six principal air pollutants dropped by 78%. This indicates that, although emissions per vehicle may have decreased, the overall increase in vehicles on the road has led to a net increase in total emissions.

Furthermore, certain states, such as California, have implemented their own vehicle emissions standards that are more stringent than federal requirements. In 2019, the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) withdrew the waiver for California's Advanced Clean Cars Program, Zero Emission Vehicle Program (ZEV), and Low-Emission Vehicle Program (LEV). However, in 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 14037, "Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks," which set a non-binding target of making 50% of passenger cars and light-duty trucks zero-emission vehicles by 2030.

To summarize, vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution in North America, and addressing this issue is crucial for improving air quality and protecting public health. While some progress has been made in reducing emissions per vehicle, the increasing number of vehicles on the road continues to contribute to overall emissions levels. Continued efforts, such as the implementation of more stringent standards and the promotion of zero-emission vehicles, are necessary to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of vehicle emissions in North America.

Industrial facilities

One of the main sources of industrial pollution is power plants, particularly coal-fueled power plants. The burning of coal releases toxic pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the industrial process of iron, steel, and rubber product manufacturing, as well as power generation, produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as a by-product, which are organic compounds containing carbon and hydrogen and are known carcinogens.

Chemical manufacturing and aerospace manufacturing are also significant contributors to industrial pollution. These facilities emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which vaporize at or near room temperature and are released during the combustion of fuels like gasoline and natural gas. Pesticides, cleaning supplies, paints, and even craft materials like glue are also sources of VOCs.

To address industrial pollution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented regulations and standards to reduce emissions. The EPA tracks emissions data and has revised standards for common pollutants to better protect public health and the environment. However, more stringent measures may be needed to address the health and environmental risks posed by industrial facilities in North America.

Energy consumption

The US has seen a shift in its energy sources over time. Wood was the primary source of energy until the late 1800s, with the average American burning eight tons of wood annually. During the Industrial Revolution, coal usage surged, surpassing wood as it was cheaper for city dwellers. Coal remained the dominant energy source until the 1970s when petroleum and natural gas took over due to increased car ownership and more pipelines. Fossil fuels, including petroleum, natural gas, and coal, have been the predominant energy sources in the US for decades, accounting for 84% of total production and 60% of electric generation in 2023.

The transportation sector, including vehicles, is a significant contributor to air pollution, and petroleum provided about 89% of this sector's primary energy consumption in 2023. However, efforts to reduce vehicle emissions are underway, with stricter standards aiming to decrease tailpipe and evaporative emissions from various types of vehicles. Additionally, the gasoline sulfur standard will enable more effective emission control systems.

The electric power sector is another major contributor to energy consumption and pollution. In 2023, this sector accounted for about 96% of total US utility-scale electricity generation. While coal was the primary source of electricity generation for many years, natural gas overtook it in 2016. Renewables have also gained traction, surpassing coal in 2023. Nuclear power has seen growth and stagnation periods, constituting about 9% of US energy consumption in 2023.

The industrial sector is another large consumer of energy, accounting for 33% of consumption in 2023. This sector includes power plants, chemical manufacturing, aerospace manufacturing, and steel mills, all of which can emit hazardous air pollutants. Despite progress in reducing emissions, the US continues to face challenges due to climate change-fueled wildfires and extreme heat, which impact air quality and public health.

Fuel consumption

The United States is a major contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions, and vehicle emissions are a significant part of the problem. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented vehicle emissions standards to reduce tailpipe and evaporative emissions from passenger cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty passenger vehicles, and some heavy-duty vehicles. These standards aim to reduce atmospheric levels of ozone, fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and toxic pollution. The gasoline sulfur standard, for instance, enables more stringent vehicle emissions standards and makes emission control systems more effective.

Canada, the other major contributor to North America's fuel consumption, has also taken steps to address its emissions. By calculating its net consumption of various fuel types, such as coal, and then converting that to CO2 emissions, Canada can estimate its CO2 emissions and work towards reducing them.

Despite these efforts, North America still faces challenges in reducing pollution from fuel consumption. The region's progress in protecting the environment has been eroded by unsustainable consumption patterns, and its gains in reducing emissions have been offset by increasing consumption by its growing population. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has called on North America to implement substantial changes in automobile use, adopt more fuel-efficient technologies, and curb urban sprawl through strategic urban development.

The impacts of pollution from fuel consumption in North America are significant. Air pollution affects human health and the planet, contributing to issues such as climate change, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events. Scientific studies have shown that some pollutants can harm public health and the environment even at very low levels, and the Clean Air Act in the United States has been updated to protect against these risks.

Climate change

Rising Temperatures and Heatwaves

North America has seen a general increase in temperatures, with all 49 analysed states experiencing warming. Between 1970 and 2023, the US warmed by 2.6°F (1.4°C), with 244 out of 246 US cities analysed also warming. Reno, Nevada, for example, warmed by 7.7°F (4.3°C). This warming trend has contributed to the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves. In 2021, an unprecedented heatwave occurred in the Pacific Northwest, with temperatures reaching close to 122°F (50°C) in areas like Portland and Seattle, which are not typically affected by such extreme heat. This heatwave was made 150 times more likely by climate change, and it is predicted that if temperatures rise by 2°C above pre-industrial levels, similar events will occur every 5-10 years. Heatwaves pose significant risks to human health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and the poor.

Droughts

Hurricanes and Storms

Wildfires

Sea Level Rise and Coastal Erosion

Rising sea levels due to climate change threaten coastal communities in North America. Coastal erosion, caused by thinning sea ice and melting permafrost, has already made some areas uninhabitable, and it is predicted that some communities will need to relocate due to the increased risk of flooding.

Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are the dominant cause of climate change in North America and worldwide. To mitigate the impacts of climate change, international cooperation is essential, as evidenced by the Paris Agreement, a legally binding treaty aimed at combating the effects of a warming planet.

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