Air Quality
Air quality in Louisiana's industrial corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, sometimes called "Cancer Alley," faces elevated pollution levels from petrochemical plants.
Monitored days with good air quality
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County, all monitored Louisiana counties.
Monitored days unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County (AQI above 100).
Wildfires
Wildfires are not a major statewide risk in Louisiana compared to Western states, though the biggest environmental threats are hurricanes and flooding.
Drought
Drought is a less prominent risk in humid Louisiana than in Western states, though periodic dry spells affect agriculture in the north.
Area in drought (D1–D4), yearly average
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Area in extreme or exceptional drought (D3–D4)
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Water Usage
Louisiana's water usage is dominated by industrial cooling water for refineries and thermoelectric power plants along the Mississippi River.
Emissions
Louisiana's greenhouse gas emissions per capita are among the highest in the U.S. due to its concentration of petrochemical and refining plants.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, all sectors and fuels (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTTTOLAA).
Transportation CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, transportation sector (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTCTOLAA).
Climate Indicators
Louisiana is losing coastal land at one of the fastest rates in the world, roughly a football field every 100 minutes, due to erosion and sea-level rise.
Average annual temperature
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December average.
Annual precipitation
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December total.
- •Louisiana has lost over 2,000 square miles of coastal land since the 1930s.