The Culprit in Rising Western U.S. Smog Levels: Asia

Story Description:

Although the United States has cut its emissions of smog-forming pollutants by half over the past few decades, smog levels in the Western United States have increased each year. Now, scientists believe that rising emissions in Asia are causing smog in the United States. Asian emissions have tripled over the past decades and are particularly high in China and India. During the spring, storms lift and carry emissions from Asia to the Western United States, causing fog. Listen to learn more about how emissions levels in different parts of the world are changing and how global climate systems move emissions around the Earth and then debate: How can we address global pollution?

Listening Comprehension Questions:

• Why were scientists surprised to see smog levels rise over the past few decades in the United States?
• What negative effects does ozone have when it is at ground level?
• How do emissions from Asia reach the Western United States?
• What does it mean that pollutants are part of the global climate system?

Classroom Discussion Themes:

• What do you think can be done to lower smog levels in the United States as well as to decrease global air pollution?
• What barriers do you think keep the global community from collaboratively tackling the problem of toxic emissions?

Listenwise helps teachers use stories from public radio n their classrooms. To find more stories and lessons for your middle and high school ELA, social studies, and science classrooms you can sign up for a free Listenwise account!  Teaching Strategies for using Listenwise.