Station 2: State of the Air

The American Lung Association’s 26th annual "State of the Air" report 2024 assesses ozone and particle pollution levels across the U.S. In the Omaha metro area:

• Ground-level Ozone Pollution: Ranked 29th worst out of 228 nationally, with 8.2 unhealthy days per year and a grade of F (Douglas County worst in the area).

• Particle Pollution: Ranked 104th worst out of 223, with 1.8 unhealthy days per year and a grade of C.

• Year-Round Particle Pollution: Ranked 89th worst nationally with pollution levels below federal standards.

The report also highlights environmental disparities, noting that people of color are over twice as likely as white individuals to live in areas with failing grades for all pollution measures, with Hispanic individuals nearly three times as likely.

Prayer of the Faithful: For those who are most affected by the destruction of creation and those on the frontlines of climate change, that God’s grace may empower us to listen to their voices, address their needs, and seek justice for all creation.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, hear our prayer