Mapping the Trends in Pollution

Good news for the United States is found in a recent series of maps by NASA. Air pollution has significantly improved around the country.

1 minute read

February 6, 2016, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

MarcelClemens / Shutterstock

Rick Noack shares the news: "NASA scientists created a series of maps that show the "human fingerprint on global air quality." The images offer insights into air pollution in nearly 200 cities around the world, as well as in neighboring areas."

"To illustrate to what extent pollution has increased or decreased, the NASA researchers measured concentrations between 2005 and 2014. Blue areas indicate a decrease in pollution; orange indicates an increase," adds Noack.

Noack notes the good news: "the scientists concluded that the United States, Europe and Japan have greatly improved their air quality." The bad news, however: "pollution has worsened in parts of China, India and the Middle East."

Average nitrogen dioxide concentrations across the United States in 2005. (Map created by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center)

Average nitrogen dioxide concentrations across the United States in 2014. (Map created by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center)

The trend map showing the decreases in nitrogen dioxide concentrations from 2005 to 2014. (Map created by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center)

A detailed post on NASA also explains the study and the mapping exercise.

FULL STORY: This world map shows where pollution is getting worse. There’s good news for the U.S.

Friday, February 5, 2016 in The Washington Post

Environment World United States Air Pollution Maps NASA Clean Air Act Nitrogen Dioxide View More

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