Fig. 4. Population weighted average annual PM_2.5 concentrations (in µg/m³) across different race and ethnicity groups for each scenario from 2020 to 2050.

We see that Black communities in the US are exposed to higher concentrations of PM_2.5 in 2020, which is consistent with historical impacts²⁸. Over the energy transition, Black communities are exposed to higher concentrations of PM_2.5 until a technology mandate is >80% renewable energy (Scenario D in 2050, Scenario E in 2035, or Scenario F in 2050), 100% low carbon energy (Scenario G in 2035 and Scenario H in 2050), or carbon cap that requires emissions of CO₂ <400 Mt (Scenario C in 2030).