Priority Populations
In the U.S., priority populations are among the most susceptible to the environmental shifts of climate change and face long-term health impacts from pollution. In urban areas these communities are often closer to air pollution sources, such as factories, major roadways, and ports. In rural America, the San Joaquin Valley in California suffers from some of the worst air pollution in the country. The valley is a natural basin, which traps smog, particulate matter (PM2.5), and pollution from vehicles, industrial activity, and farming.
While agriculture only accounts for 8 percent of California’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, the industry is taking great strides to tackle emissions head-on and improve air quality for those who work and live in these areas by implementing climate-smart practices.
Biofuels and Renewable Fuels Clean the Air
California Dairy Farms Are Achieving Cleaner Air By Fueling Electric Vehicles
Climate-smart farming not only helps mitigate the effects of climate change but also offers tangible improvements in air quality, particularly for priority populations in California's San Joaquin Valley. For the residents that call this area home, the shift to climate-smart agricultural practices can lead to better health outcomes, which reduces healthcare expenses, and can improve overall quality of life. Cleaner air also means a healthier environment for agricultural workers. By reducing air pollution in the transportation sector, climate-smart farming represents a win-win solution for both the environment and the people living in these vulnerable areas.