Air Quality and Climate

Clean air is important to everyone, every day. Air Quality Awareness Week highlights the work that EPA and our partners are doing to understand how climate change is impacting air quality and address the connected challenges of climate change and air pollution. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is vital for addressing climate change and protecting air quality.

The Earth's climate is changing due to a buildup of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere that is amplifying the greenhouse effect. Multiple lines of evidence show changes in our weather, oceans, and ecosystems, such as: changing temperature and precipitation patterns, increases in ocean temperatures, sea level, and acidity, the melting of glaciers and sea ice, and changes in the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events.

Climate change harms air quality in many ways. In many areas of the United States, climate change is expected to worsen harmful ground-level ozone, increase people's exposure to allergens like pollen, and degrade air quality, which can all negatively impact human health. Many people are disproportionately impacted by air pollution, including those who live in communities of color and low-income communities. Climate change can amplify the inequitable experiences of poor air quality in these communities.

What can we do to reduce climate and air quality impacts?

Communities can take action:

• Go green. Switch to green power from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce both air pollution and greenhouse gas emission. 
• Improve air quality at ports. Communities situated near ports - which often include minority communities - are at a higher risk of air pollution exposure. Communities and stakeholders can work with EPA's Ports Initiative to improve environmental performance and advance clean technologies at ports. This effort helps people living near ports breathe cleaner air. Check out the Community-Port Collaboration Toolkit for ways communities can get involved. 
• Plant trees. Planting trees, especially in urban areas along roads or highways, can help improve air quality. Trees also provide other benefits, such as reducing the impact of urban heat islands.
• Stay informed about the Clean School Bus Program. With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA's Clean School Bus Program provides $5 billion over the next five years (FY 2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. Visit the webpage to sign up to receive the latest information about upcoming funding opportunities, how to apply, the eligible technologies and their benefits, and best practices and lessons learned. 

Individuals can take action:

• Reduce your exposure. Use the Air Quality Index to guide outdoor activities. When you see that the AQI is unhealthy, take simple steps to reduce your exposure like choosing less intense activities, taking more breaks, and rescheduling activities to a time when outdoor air quality is better. 
• Reduce air pollution from vehicles. Walking, biking, and taking public transit, among other actions, can reduce emissions from transportation. These choices can also provide other benefits, such as safer streets. 
• Reduce your Carbon Footprint. Many of our daily activities - such as using electricity, driving a car, or disposing of waste - cause greenhouse gas emissions. Together, these emissions make up a household's carbon footprint. Try EPA's Household Carbon Footprint Calculator to estimate your annual greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Improve indoor air quality. Reduce or remove sources of indoor air pollutants whenever possible. For example, consider using portable air purifiers or high-efficiency filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
• Help prevent wildfires. Pay attention to weather and drought conditions. Avoid activities involving fire or sparks when it's dry, hot, and windy to help prevent wildfires.