Kiera Jefferson
America is responsible for a significant proportion of global pollution, with human activities contributing to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the last 150 years. In 2023, the United States emitted about 66 million tons of pollution into the atmosphere, contributing to issues such as ozone layer depletion and air quality impairment. While the country has made progress in reducing emissions, with a 74% decrease in air toxic emissions from 1990 to 2017, it still faces challenges in addressing pollution from the transportation, agriculture, and energy sectors. Additionally, it is important to consider that half of the particulate pollution in North America originates from other continents, highlighting the global nature of the pollution problem.
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What You'll Learn
Particulate pollution from other continents
Particulate matter, or PM, is a type of air pollution composed of tiny particles of solid or liquid matter floating in the air. These particles can be inhaled and are small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream, posing a significant health risk. PM2.5, for example, refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, while PM10 includes particles with diameters of up to 10 micrometres.
According to a 2012 study by researchers from several institutions, including the University of Maryland, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and the Universities Space Research Association, approximately half of the particulate pollution in North America originates from other continents. This pollution takes the form of aerosols, which are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. The study found that these aerosols can travel thousands of miles downwind, impacting the environment in regions far from their source.
The primary sources of these foreign aerosols are Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Specifically, 87.5% of the total annual accumulation of foreign aerosols in North America comes in the form of dust from across the Pacific, with an additional 6.25% composed of combustion aerosols from the same region. A further 6.25% is attributed to Saharan dust from across the Atlantic. While most of this pollution occurs at high altitudes and is unlikely to affect the air we breathe, it can still influence upper atmospheric conditions.
It is important to note that the contribution of pollution from other continents does not diminish the impact of local sources of particulate pollution within North America. Manmade sources, such as combustion from transportation and industrial activities, as well as agricultural practices, remain significant contributors to air pollution in North America. However, the study's findings highlight the global nature of air pollution and the need for international cooperation in addressing this issue.
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Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation
According to a study, half of the particulate pollution in North America comes from other continents, including Asia, Africa, and Europe. The study reveals that most of the pollution migrating into North America is not industrial emissions, but dust from these continents.
In the United States, human activities are responsible for the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the last 150 years. The burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to US greenhouse gas emissions. Cars, trucks, commercial aircraft, and railroads are among the sources of transportation end-use sector emissions. Over 94% of the fuel used for transportation is petroleum-based, which includes primarily gasoline and diesel, and results in direct emissions.
The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions and the second-largest source when indirect emissions from electricity end-use are allocated across sectors. In 2021, emissions from transportation constituted two-fifths of domestic emissions from burning fossil fuels. CO2 emissions from transportation had been rising for several years before the coronavirus pandemic, both in amount and as a share of emissions.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented various initiatives to address transportation-related carbon pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The SmartWay program, for example, helps the freight transportation sector improve supply chain efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases, and save fuel costs. EPA also provides online resources such as the Green Vehicle Guide to help consumers make environmentally friendly vehicle purchases. Additionally, the Renewable Fuel Standard program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the nation's renewable fuels sector while decreasing reliance on imported oil.
While the use of electric vehicles is expected to contribute to greater emissions reductions in the future, the challenge of reducing emissions from transportation remains due to the value placed on transportation and the dominance of petroleum as a single fuel source.
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Commercial and residential emissions
In 2022, the residential and commercial sectors accounted for 31% of total emissions in the United States, or 6,343 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. While emissions from homes and businesses have decreased since 1990, there was an increase of less than 1% in total emissions in 2022 compared to 2021. This increase was driven by a rise in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion, attributed to increased energy use as the country rebounded economically from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Direct emissions from the combustion of natural gas and petroleum products for heating and cooking release carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). In 2022, emissions from natural gas consumption accounted for 78% of direct fossil fuel CO2 emissions in the residential and commercial sectors. Additionally, organic waste sent to landfills emits CH4, and wastewater treatment plants and biogas facilities also contribute to CH4 and N2O emissions. Fluorinated gases, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in air conditioning and refrigeration, can be released during servicing or from leaking equipment.
Indirect emissions are produced when fossil fuels are burned at power plants to generate electricity used in residential and commercial spaces for lighting, appliances, and other electrical needs. While indirect emissions from electricity use by homes and businesses decreased from 1990 to 2021, they increased by 1% in 2024 due to higher electricity consumption for space cooling during warmer months.
It is important to note that the commercial and residential sector emissions do not include emissions from construction materials or upstream activities, which are reflected in other sectors. Additionally, emissions from landfills and energy use for equipment and exterior lighting may also be included in these sectors.
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Air quality improvements
While human activities have been responsible for the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the last 150 years, air quality in the US has improved in recent years. The US EPA has been taking actions to improve air quality by developing national programs that will significantly reduce air emissions and improve health, longevity, and quality of life for Americans.
One of the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions is transportation, with over 94% of the fuel used for transportation being petroleum-based, including gasoline and diesel. From 1990 to 2017, emissions of air toxics declined by 74%, largely due to federal and state regulations and technological advancements. The EPA has also implemented the Clean Air Act, which has dramatically reduced air pollution and prevented hundreds of thousands of cases of serious health effects each year.
Another source of greenhouse gas emissions is electricity production, with 60% of electricity in the US coming from burning fossil fuels in 2022. The commercial and residential sectors also contribute to emissions by burning fossil fuels for heat and using gases for refrigeration and cooling.
Despite these challenges, the US has made progress in improving air quality. For example, the permanent phase-out of leaded gasoline has led to a 98% decrease in airborne lead concentrations between 1980 and 2005. Additionally, from 1970 to 2023, the total emissions of the six principal air pollutants dropped by 78%, even as the GDP, vehicle miles traveled, energy consumption, and population all increased significantly during the same period.
The EPA's actions to improve air quality have had significant benefits for Americans' health and the economy. The Clean Air Act partnership programs have reduced pollution, improved energy efficiency, and saved money, with Americans breathing less pollution and facing lower risks of premature death and other serious health effects. The EPA's 2011 study found that the benefits of clean air programs exceed compliance costs, with each dollar spent on reducing pollution yielding $3-9 in health benefits.
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Air pollution from vehicles, factories, and other sources
Air pollution in the US is caused by a variety of sources, including vehicles, factories, and other human activities. Let's explore each of these in detail:
Vehicle Pollution
Vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses, contribute significantly to air pollution in the US. Burning gasoline or diesel leads to the release of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants. This type of pollution is particularly prevalent in California, where nine out of ten residents breathe unhealthy air due to ozone and particle pollution from vehicle emissions. Los Angeles, in particular, stands out as the most polluted city in the nation in terms of ozone pollution.
The impact of vehicle pollution on health is significant, with an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 deaths occurring annually in the US as a result. People of color are disproportionately affected, breathing more air pollution from vehicles in certain regions.
Industrial Pollution
Industrial activities, such as operations in refineries, mills, mines, and manufacturing plants, release a range of airborne pollutants. These include particulate matter (PM2.5), silica dust, coal dust, methane, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The health impacts of these pollutants are severe, with some causing diseases like silicosis, black lung disease, and various other issues associated with toxic heavy metals.
Pollution from Other Sources
Other human activities also contribute to air pollution in the US. For example, burning fossil fuels for electricity generation is a major source of emissions, leading to about half of all air pollution-related deaths from fine particulate matter. Animal agriculture, dust from construction and roads, and burning wood for heating and cooking are other significant contributors.
Additionally, transportation methods beyond personal vehicles, such as railroad, marine vessel, aircraft, and municipal vehicle use, also emit pollutants and contribute to air quality issues.
Foreign Pollution Sources
It is important to note that not all pollution in the US originates domestically. According to studies, approximately half of the particulate pollution in North America comes from other continents, including Asia, Africa, and Europe. This pollution primarily consists of dust, combustion aerosols, and Saharan dust from across the Atlantic. While the impact on the air at ground level is unclear, it can affect upper atmospheric conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023, about 66 million tons of pollution were emitted into the atmosphere in the United States. In the same year, emissions of the six principal air pollutants were 78% lower than in 1970.
The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the United States is the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation. In 2022, 60% of electricity was generated by burning fossil fuels, with over 94% of the fuel used for transportation being petroleum-based.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) creates air quality trends using measurements from monitors located across the country. They track total U.S. emissions by publishing the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks.
The EPA has designed and developed national programs that will achieve significant reductions in air emissions when fully implemented. The Inflation Act also introduces measures to address climate change, including clean energy investments and initiatives to transition to a low-carbon economy.
