Air Pollution in California, 2022

California faces a serious and complicated problem with air pollution, which is influenced by a special confluence of social, industrial, and environmental factors. This region, known for its varied geography ranging from lush forests to sprawling urban centers, experiences some of the most severe air quality issues in the United States. Contributing factors include high vehicle emissions due to extensive urban traffic, industrial activities, climate, and geographical characteristics that often trap pollutants. California’s susceptibility to wildfires further exacerbates air quality issues, releasing massive amounts of particulate matter and harmful gases into the atmosphere. This situation not only poses immediate health risks to residents but also has long-term environmental and economic impacts, making air pollution a critical issue for policymakers, researchers, and the public. This story map starts with wildfires, climate change, poverty, and transportation aspects to discover what affects air pollution in California.