California's National Parks Lead as Most Polluted in U.S., Study Finds

A new report highlights the severe air pollution challenges faced by California's national parks, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon, amid broader concerns over climate change.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California are identified as the most polluted in the U.S., facing severe air and haze pollution.
97% of U.S. national parks suffer from significant air pollution, with climate change posing a major threat to their ecosystems.
California's national parks, including Joshua Tree and Yosemite, are particularly affected by air pollution due to industrial and vehicle emissions.
The National Parks Conservation Association advocates for stronger policies and regulations, such as the Clean Air Act, to combat air pollution and protect parks.
Modest improvements in air quality have been observed since the NPCA's 2019 report, but significant challenges remain.