55th A&WMA Critical Review: Satellite Data to Support Air Quality Assessment and Management

Satellite data is increasingly valuable and relevant to air quality management. Satellite data can be used to inform long-range transport and trends, characterizing exceptional events, emissions estimates, model parameterization, environmental justice, and public outreach. Increases in spatial and temporal resolution in new instruments and long-term historical records from earlier instruments enable greater characterization of air pollution. In this 55th Annual A&WMA Critical Review, the authors examine current science of using satellite data, especially developments in the last 15 years since the 40th Annual A&WMA Critical Review on this subject.

This review explores how satellite data can be used in the air quality management cycle, with a focus on the United States, and also discussing advances in regional satellites in Asia and Europe. With a focus on nitrogen dioxide (NO2), aerosol optical depth (AOD) for particulate matter (PM), and ozone sensitivity, this review will explore methods for linking satellite measurements corresponding to near surface air quality. The authors also discuss case studies and applications, including environmental justice. This review traces the history and development of satellite data for air quality over the last 15 years, with guidance to help jumpstart new users, as well as discussions on strengths and limitations of satellite data that highlight new areas where satellites could play a larger role and opportunities for improvements.

The full-length paper will appear in the June 2025 issue of the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (JA&WMA) and its conclusions will be presented live as part of the 2025 A&WMA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Raleigh, North Carolina. Following the review presentation, a panel of invited experts will critique the presentation and offer their own views on the topic. Invited discussants will represent key stakeholder groups, including federal and state agencies; researchers; industry experts; NGOs; and community action groups. Comments also will be solicited from the floor during a live question-and-answer sequence to end the session. To complete the review process, the Critical Review Committee Chair will synthesize all of the discussion points into a single Discussion Paper that will be published in the October 2025 issue of JA&WMA.