Costs of not cleaning up the air
As Utah eyes hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics, air pollution could jeopardize the event and damage Utah’s reputation as a winter sports destination, Edwin Stafford, a Utah State University professor, told KSL News. The infamous winter inversions in Salt Lake Valley could deter visitors and mar Utah’s image on the global stage.
Tourism is a cornerstone of Utah’s economy, generating nearly $12 billion and creating over 98,000 jobs in 2022. Poor air quality, however, could deter tourists, athletes, and sponsors, costing the state valuable economic opportunities.
The health costs of air pollution are equally alarming. Even short-term exposure to pollutants can impair lung and heart function. With vehicles contributing over half of Utah’s PM2.5 emissions, electrifying transportation is critical. Efforts to expand electric vehicle infrastructure, adopt cleaner fuels, and phase out wood-burning stoves are steps in the right direction, but progress remains slow.
Air pollution’s impacts extend beyond tourism and health. The drying Great Salt Lake compounds the problem, releasing toxic dust laden with heavy metals, further endangering public health.
Stafford suggests that Utah could turn this challenge into an opportunity, using the Olympics as a platform to promote sustainable solutions. Investing in clean transportation, renewable energy, and water conservation could not only mitigate air pollution but also leave a lasting environmental legacy.
If Utah wants to secure the Olympics and a healthier future, bold actions are needed now.
