Columbus had an “air quality alert” on Wednesday. Before I left the house, I discovered it during the opening statements on WBNS 10TV news. The statement followed by a quick blurb about the weather. On to the next subject.
Later in the same newscast, OSU coach Jim Tressel had a 4-5 minute spot discussing the strategies for the upcoming game. Somehow, his discussion would have an impact on the lives of those living in Columbus, or so WBNS thinks.
Wouldn’t it be more prudent of WBNS to give a bit more air time (no pun intended) to the strategies for avoiding the continued increases in days that Columbus faces air quality alerts?
Perhaps this is a statement about just how far removed the general population is from one of the real challenges facing this city. Poor air quality has a direct correlation to the transportation issues facing Columbus, namely that the general population is forced into cars to accomplish most every task.
There’s a news story here. It seems however, that the local media is more willing to discuss the actions of 22 football players than it is to discuss the actions of its viewers.
Funny, I missed the Air Quality Alert as well on Wednesday but as a direct correlation I didn’t need to hear it, I knew it by my nose. I bicycle commute daily and Wednesday was my first day back on the bike to work after spending almost a week in the Seattle area. Prior to heading out on this trip I hadn’t realized just how putrid our air is. The air quality in Seattle is wonderful – I’m sure in part due to the fact that thier bicycle and public transit infrastructure is second to none in the US (IMO). As of today I have a sore throat and my sinus’ are bothering me and I’m certain it is related to both the humidity and the dirty air we are all subjected to in Ohio.
If you ever have a chance come up to the 40th floor of the State Office Tower. You can see the brown layer of atmosphere constantly hanging around C-bus. I have had the joy of watching this brown haze on the horizon all the way from Columbus to Detroit when going to visit family. Unfortunately our news doesn’t want to talk about it and our government doesn’t want to regulate it. Anyhow, thanks for your story.