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tiffanyh

Correlation?

There seems to be a correlation with large metroplexes that use the A/C a lot.

Which is typically southern US states.

Eg SF/Seattle/Chicago are large metroplexes but you don’t need the A/C as much as say Dallas.

Is that an accurate correlation?

EDIT: why the downvotes for me asking a question?

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I am by no means an expert, but as far as I understand NO2 pollution is mainly generated by internal compustion engines (especially diesel?), so I don't understand why there would be a causal link to A/C use. I can imagine various reasons for there to be a correlation without direct causation, in particular because the atmospheric chemistry of NOx [1], though to be honest I don't really see the correlation you mention just from the visualizations.

The data are (or will be) available in the sources mentioned here [2], if anyone wants to analyze them (I think, I haven't actually tried to access them). I don't know where you would get geospatial data on A/C use to compare with though.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOx [2] https://tempo.si.edu/data.html

Makes sense.

But aren’t power plants also a major/top producer of NO2, and more energy is used in heavily A/C used locals.

https://airquality.gsfc.nasa.gov/power-plants

It looks like power plants are also a significant source of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere, though I don't know what the major/top sources are. From the US EPA [1]:

  NO2 primarily gets in the air from the burning of fuel. NO2 forms from emissions from cars, trucks and buses, power plants, and off-road equipment.

As I say, I'm no expert, bu my understanding is that NOx compounds can be formed whenever nitrogen and oxygen are mixed at sufficiently high temperatures, e.g. when burning stuff in air.

[1] https://www.epa.gov/no2-pollution/basic-information-about-no...

Maybe it is because that isn't an entirely true take. You don't need the AC as much in Chicago? Having lived near that region for a long time that isn't what I find to be the case. Yes it gets hotter in Texas but there are several reasons that AC gets ran nonstop for many people here. Inefficient building design is probably a big one. Also the heat is no joke even this far north. Add in heat waves and you have all the justification you need for running it if you can. I for one have had my AC running since May and I'm still too hot at home.

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