Air quality related equity implications of U.S. decarbonization policy

This study investigates the equity implications of US decarbonization policies on air quality, focusing on disparities across racial/ethnic groups. Analyzing policies achieving 40-60% CO2 emission reductions by 2030 (relative to 2005), the researchers found that while average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure decreased across all groups, with the largest benefits for Black and white populations, existing exposure disparities persisted or even widened for some minority groups. Optimization analyses revealed that alternative emissions reduction strategies couldn't significantly mitigate these disparities, suggesting that CO2-focused strategies alone are insufficient and larger-scale structural changes are needed.

Paul Picciano, Minghao Qiu, Sebastian D. Eastham, Mei Yuan, John Reilly, Noelle E. Selin