NASA Images Show USA Air Pollution is in Decline 

Global air pollution is emerging as an increasing concern in countries across the globe. The US is not exempt, with the government working closely with environmental scientists to create cleaner air for all. Growing populations and rapid urbanisation are two of the key culprits behind air pollution, with West Virginia undergoing both of these processes over the past few decades. Yet according to the latest NASA images, the state’s atmosphere is cleaner than ever.

As part of a series of photographs titled ‘State of Flux: Images of Change’ the agency has uncovered some noticeable environmental changes occurring over a period of time. From rising water levels and air pollution to natural disasters and industrial impacts, the images have revealed fascinating new insight into the long-term environmental health of West Virginia.

You can read last year’s NASA report on US pollution levels here: Nasa data reveals lowering urban US air pollution.

Air Pollution plummets in West Virginia

One of the most interesting conclusions drawn from NASA’s image analysis project is the fact that from 2005 to 2011, air pollution in West Virginia was noticeably down. Specifically, the NASA images indicated a decline in nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a chemical compound that is known to cause respiratory problems in humans. NASA also maintains that the compound fast-tracks the development of other air pollutants and serves as “a proxy for air pollution in general."

So why are NO2 levels down despite the fact that the state has faced population growth and accelerated urbanisation? According to NASA, the improvement in air quality has a lot to do with proactive human intervention. "Thanks to regulations, technology improvements and economic changes, air pollution — including NO2 — has decreased despite an increase in population and number of cars on the roads," the agency explains.

Surface mining on the rise

Amazingly, the drop in NO2 levels existed despite the fact that the NASA images also reflected a significant increase in surface mining and mountaintop removal. From 1987 to 2011 operations drastically increased, with the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training maintaining that there are currently 200 surface mines operating within the state. For the health of the local population and the natural environment, mountaintop removal can have a detrimental impact. Mine runoff and airborne toxins can quickly pollute groundwater while the destruction of forests and streams can leave animals with no habitat. Not to mention an increase in CO2.

NASA explains, "More than half of the U.S.' electrical power comes from coal burning and a large percentage of that coal comes from West Virginia. Of the nearly 150 million tons of coal extracted each year from the state's mines, an increasing amount (60 million tons in 2009) comes from surface mining and mountaintop removal.”

While NO2 levels may be down, managing the effects of surface mining has emerged as the new top priority for West Virginian environmentalists.

To find out more about the global effects of pollution, read our article: What Would Happen if Pollution Doesn’t Stop?