City of Bloomington Publishes Results from an Air Quality Study, a Climate Projections Extreme Heat Report, and a Story Map

The City of Bloomington has published significant findings from an air quality study and a Climate Projections Extreme Heat Report, both conducted in partnership with CAPA Strategies. The air quality study, carried out during a heat mapping campaign in August 2024, involved volunteers who collected data on particulate matter (PM) using mobile sensors. Results revealed concerning PM2. 5 levels, with all sensors recording at least one day exceeding 12 μg/m3, which poses health risks to sensitive individuals such as children and those with pre-existing conditions. The accompanying Climate Projections report outlines expected temperature increases in Bloomington by 2050 and 2100, based on different greenhouse gas emission scenarios, underscoring the urgency for climate action.

These findings are crucial for shaping effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in the community. The city encourages residents to access the reports and an interactive story map that visualizes air quality data and temperature projections. Shawn Miya, Assistant Director of Sustainability, emphasized the importance of community participation in these studies for better understanding local air quality. The Sustainable Bloomington website serves as a resource for real-time air quality monitoring and further information.