Maps Show How Air Pollution and COVID-19 Can Be a Deadly Mix
Articles/Websites
Grades9, 10, 11, 12, APScience, Social Studies, Health
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by LA Times
What it is
- This article describes maps and information that show the locations of air pollution, demographic data, and COVID-19 case rates in the Los Angeles area.
- The article makes correlations between air pollution, race, and COVID-19 case rates and provides solutions that would benefit air quality, climate, and water quality.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The maps are in color and have an area of interest outlined for students to focus on.
- The article stresses that the solutions to climate change are also very beneficial to human and environmental health.
Additional Prerequisites
- The link to the E&E News story about Emory University's research requires a subscription to read.
- Students should know how to read a map.
Differentiation
- This resource could be incorporated into civics lessons about the importance of regulations that protect human health and the environment.
- Other resources related to this topic include: World's Air Pollution, One Reason Why Coronavirus Hits Black People the Hardest, and Mapping London's Air Pollution.
From the scientist review
The resource spotlights the correlation existing between COVID-19 cases and pollution-burdened areas. Low-income communities tend to be in areas with degraded tree cover and marginal lands. They are more at risk of air pollution and COVID-19 infection. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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