FACT SHEET: AIR

Air Quality: A“Glocal” Environmental Issue

Ideas for a coordinated, long-term, UUCC faith-based response

by Pete Moore

I. Define the specific problem

There are at least two major dimensions to the problem of air quality as an environmental issue in our region:

1. Ozone (smog) and other types of air pollution, including fine particle (soot) and mercury emissions, as localized/regional threats to human health

• Ozone – O3 is created by interaction of heat and sunlight with various pollutants caused by burning fossil fuels, notably automobile and power plant emissions. 2004 – EPA determined Mecklenburg and seven surrounding counties were in violation of federal ozone standards; NC has until 2010 to reduce ozone levels to meet federal standards.
• 2007 – Mecklenburg Co. received grades of “F” from American Lung Association in categories of “High Ozone Days” and “Particle Pollution.”
• 2003 – according to EPA modeling, NC was identified as a mercury “hot spot” (6th-worst state in the country), primarily because of emissions from coal-burning power plants.
• Health impacts: Ozone exacerbates asthma, emphysema and other respiratory diseases; children, seniors, people who work outdoors are especially vulnerable. In Charlotte-Gastonia-Salisbury NC/SC statistical census area, 116,343 adults and 45,126 children have asthma; 63,430 people have chronic bronchitis. Mercury emissions: health threatened primarily through exposure to mercury by eating contaminated fish. Children, women of childbearing age, and developing fetuses the most susceptible.

2. CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming

• Local consumption of resources and emission of pollutants contribute to a global problem.
• Rampant development, more cars, higher overall demand for energy and other factors that increase CO2 emissions make the Charlotte region a particularly conspicuous “offender.”

II. How is this problem a “social justice” issue?

• Clean air as a basic human right: “Every human has a fundamental right to an environment of quality that permits a life of dignity and well-being.” – U.N. Conference on the Human Environment. From the 2006 UU Statement of Conscience on global warming/climate change: “We envision a world in which all people are assured a secure and meaningful life that is ecologically responsible and sustainable . . . ” Also: “We are called to mitigate the impending effects of global warming/climate change with just and ethical responses.”
• Locally, equity and justice regarding health are undermined because of consumption and other behaviors by the privileged. Example: O3 pollution has a disproportionate impact on young, elderly and others at risk, including the homeless and poor (who have little or no access to air conditioning or shelter to protect them from risks caused by O3 exposure), even though these groups contribute minimally to ozone buildup. In other words, the “haves” in our community contribute to the problem more but suffer from it less, while the “have nots” contribute to the problem less but suffer from it more.
• On a global level, “wealthy people in wealthy countries have created global warming, while poor people in poor countries suffer the brunt of the consequences . . .” (Stanford Daily editorial, 11/16/06)

III. How can our members be engaged to address this problem?

• Individual/family – Behavior changes informed by both science and UU faith principles: less consumption, more conservation; reducing “carbon footprint” by carpooling, using public transportation, converting to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, taking shorter showers, taking the 1-2-3 Pledge (thermostat, speed limit, light bulb replacement), etc.
• Congregation – Beginning with the UU Green Sanctuary Program, start to bring the same kind of individual action/behavior change to the church level: greening facilities, reducing carbon footprint, engaging in congregational activities that combat air pollution/global warming impacts (e.g., The Ten-Tree Challenge, “No Car” Day, etc); build an environmental component into youth and adult RE curricula; in addition to a financial pledge, consider a program whereby members make an environmental pledge, committing to at least one congregation-wide environmental goal per year. Many of these activities/goals, such as reducing our carbon footprint, can yield measurable results.
• The broader community – Outreach and communication: Publicize the Green Sanctuary program and seek other strategic ways to highlight UUCC’s engagement on air quality and other issues (via website, press releases, participation in local conferences, etc.). Coordinate with other denominations and/or interfaith groups concerned about air quality/global warming issues, thereby “recruiting” like-minded activists and expanding impact beyond our own homes and church.
• Policy-level – Advocacy, lobbying: Establish a working team/committee focused on educating the congregation and encouraging broad participation in letter writing, petitioning, and other political and regulatory advocacy on clean air/global warming issues (e.g., opposing Cliffside, promoting light rail).