Air
London marathon demonstrates positive impact of taking cars off the road

London marathon demonstrates positive impact of taking cars off the road

We recently wrote about the London Marathon’s commitment to sustainability by issuing runners electrolyte water contained in edible seaweed pouches. But avoiding plastic pollution wasn’t the only environmental achievement from the marathon’s organizers, it turns out air pollution along the marathon route dropped significantly and almost instantly during the event after vehicles were temporarily taken off the roads.

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American Lung Association: Forty Percent of the U.S. Breaths Unhealthy Air

American Lung Association: Forty Percent of the U.S. Breaths Unhealthy Air

The American Lung Association issued their 2019 “State of the Air” Report which found that more than 40% of Americans — 141 million — live in a county with unhealthy air, which represents an increase of 7 million people more than last year.   Despite some progress, “in 2015-2017, more cities had high days of ozone and […]

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Oil and Gas Drilling In New Mexico Scrutinized, Methane Leaks Soar

Oil and Gas Drilling In New Mexico Scrutinized, Methane Leaks Soar

A surge in oil and gas drilling in the Permian Basin of New Mexico is causing a dramatic increase in methane emissions according to a new study by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).  The Associated Press reports that the EDF analysis showed that in 2018 statewide methane gas emissions from oil and natural gas production is five times higher than what the petroleum companies are reporting to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and more than twice what EDF estimated these emissions to be two years ago.

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US Air Pollution Causes More Than 100,000 Premature Deaths

US Air Pollution Causes More Than 100,000 Premature Deaths

A new study by the National Academies of Science published on Monday concluded that in 2011, the finest scale particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5)  caused 107,000 premature deaths in the U.S. and cost the economy nearly $900 million dollars.  The study’s authors, using data from the Environmental Protection Agency, calculated location-specific estimates of the damage […]

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CO2 Emissions At Highest Levels In Three Million Years

CO2 Emissions At Highest Levels In Three Million Years

Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are over 410 parts per million (PPM) and rising, and according to a new study published in Science Advances last week, that is the highest levels in the last 3 million years. 

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Air Pollution Causes More Deaths Than Alcohol, Malnutrition and Drug Addiction

Air Pollution Causes More Deaths Than Alcohol, Malnutrition and Drug Addiction

The 2019 State of Global Air (SOGA) report, released on Wednesday stated that children born today will be exposed to so much toxic air pollution over their lifetimes, that it will dramatically shorten their life expectancy. CNN reported that the study found that countries in Asia and Africa had the highest risk because they have high levels of harmful soot or particulate matter (PM 2.5) and they rely on coal-powered energy plants and regularly use fuels like charcoal for cooking.  

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