📊 Surge in Warehouses
There was a 117% increase in the number of new warehouses built between 2010 and 2021.
Newly constructed warehouses are larger with more loading docks.
Gaige Kerr, lead study author, says, “I would argue that it’s a very meaningful, impactful amount [of NO2 pollution].”
Just 10 counties in California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Arizona, and Ohio are home to 20% of all warehouses.
🌍 Environmental Impact
Warehouse traffic linked to a 20% increase in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution in downwind neighborhoods.
NO2 is a key smog ingredient and can worsen respiratory diseases.
Pollution spike equivalent to reversing years of Clean Air Act efforts.
Satellite data from the European Space Agency used for analysis.
👥 Impact on Communities
Communities of color are disproportionately affected by warehouse pollution.
Areas with most warehouses have 290% more Asian residents and 240% more Hispanic residents than the median nationwide.
Residents have fought against warehouse construction near homes.
Local regulators urged to treat warehouse emissions like industrial pollution.
🛰️ Future Research
NASA’s new satellite instrument will provide hourly pollution readings.
This will offer a more detailed view of air pollution from warehouse traffic.
Researchers hope for better data to influence regulatory measures.
Study published in Nature Communications highlights need for cleaner logistics solutions.
Should local governments regulate warehouse traffic emissions?
