Industrial, agricultural, and natural pollution pose a critical problem for the Prairie provinces of Canada, with significant environmental and health concerns. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by assessing the cumulative impacts of pollutants in the Prairie region, which hosts 40% of the Canada's indigenous population, often living near these pollution sources. By innovatively integrating Sentinel-5P satellite data, Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS, and Python, we show the trends in CO, NO₂, HCHO, SO₂, and aerosols from 2019 to 2023 at high resolution for the entire region, which sheds new light on the dynamics that operate beyond conventional air quality monitoring. Key findings are summer peaks for NO₂ and aerosols in southern Saskatchewan, related to agriculture, while winter peaks for CO and SO₂ in Alberta and Saskatchewan signal the need for renewable heating options. Alberta had the highest levels for most of the pollutants; however, CO concentrations were the highest in Manitoba. By integrating satellite data with ground-based measures, we also offer a more comprehensive and accurate analysis to pinpoint regional pollution issues, to help toward development of data-driven air quality strategies, and to enhance alignment of federal-provincial initiatives. These insights promote targeted interventions lowering exposure risk while encouraging practical sustainability in the Prairie region, and aid Canada in achieving its net-zero emission goal.
Read full abstract