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[Soft Music]

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Dr. Anenberg: Take a deep breath.

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That very same air that's filling your lungs

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is full of millions of fine particles.

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Some so small,  that they can penetrate

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deep into your lungs and into your bloodstream.

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Right now, you are standing near

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the heart of Washington, DC.

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Air pollution where you're standing

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has declined by 50% in the last two decades.

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And by no means is this by coincidence.

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Along with ground-based observations
and field campaigns, NASA uses sensors

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aboard satellites and aircraft

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to obtain measurements of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide,

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and other pollutants near cities, suburbs and major transportation systems.

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Because you can't fix what you can't measure.

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With the few ground-level air monitors we have in the city,

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it’s very difficult for any individual

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to understand what pollution levels are in their neighborhood.

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NASA's satellite data helps to fill in the gaps between those monitors

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so we can understand the different pollution levels experienced

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in different neighborhoods throughout the city.

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When coupled with socioeconomic data
about race, ethnicity, poverty and health,

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Air quality observations help identify environmental challenges

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that disproportionately impact specific communities and underline

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how much more work there is to be done

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to minimize pollutant exposure for vulnerable populations.

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Together, we can work to address longstanding inequities

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and ensure everyone has the right to a deep breath of fresh air.