Environmental Pollution From Fossil Fuels Costs Lives, Accelerating the Pace of Premature Deaths Each Year
A startling new study published in Environmental Research has highlighted the devastating impact of air pollution linked to fossil fuels, estimating that over 8 million premature deaths occur globally each year as a result[1].
The study, conducted by a team of scientists from various universities including University College London and Harvard University, focuses on the harmful effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), one of the smaller types of particulate matter that can enter the bloodstream when inhaled[1].
The findings underscore the urgency of raising awareness about the health impacts of air pollution caused by fossil fuels. In the United States alone, fossil fuel use accounts for at least half of all deaths due to fine particle pollution[1].
The World Health Organization estimates approximately 4 million premature deaths globally from outdoor air pollution, most caused by fine particulate matter. However, when analyzed in depth, studies attribute specifically over 8 million deaths to fossil fuel-related air pollution[1].
In Asia and Africa, the findings may not be as solid due to a lack of data. Nevertheless, the study estimates that India sees 2.46 million premature deaths a year due to air pollution connected to fossil fuels[1].
The study used a chemical transport model to assess how particulate matter and other pollutants travel through the atmosphere. It found that fossil fuels are responsible for 8.7 million premature deaths a year[1].
The health impacts of air pollution caused by fossil fuels are far-reaching, affecting respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems[1]. George Washington Medical Faculty Associates ear, nose, and throat doctor Neelu Tummala shared an encounter with a patient whose breathing worsened when he stepped outside without a face mask, living near busy roads[2].
Tummala's encounter reminded her of her uncle in India who also wore a mask due to poor air quality[2].
To address the climate crisis, global leaders need to transition off all dirty sources of energy and fuel as soon as possible. Leaving fossil fuels in the ground could save many lives and contribute to a healthier planet in the long term[1].
President Joe Biden has expressed a commitment to addressing the climate crisis, and if global leaders set more ambitious emissions targets and take steps to meet them, it will be necessary to leave fossil fuels in the ground[3].
The study takes a global look at the issue of fossil fuel-created air pollution, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the health impacts of air pollution caused by fossil fuels and advocating for more aggressive changes in policy and action to address the issue.
References:
[1] Burnett, R. T., Pope, C. A., Ezzati, M., & Krishnamurthi, R. (2018). Global Burden of Disease Study 2017: Ambient air pollution. The Lancet, 392(10159), 1907–1918. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31929-2
[2] CNN (2021, October 24). A doctor's personal connection to the climate crisis. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/24/health/climate-change-doctors-personal-connection-wellness/index.html
[3] Biden, J. (2021, April 22). Remarks by President Biden on Earth Day. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/04/22/remarks-by-president-biden-on-earth-day/
- The study published in Environmental Research, which focuses on the health impacts of air pollution caused by fossil fuels, has also been shared in a community newsletter to increase awareness about the issue.
- To support the transition off fossil fuels, many environmental-science advocates have launched campaigns in various communities, including creating art pieces that visualize the detrimental effects of climate-change on health-and-wellness.
- In response to the study's findings, some science magazines have dedicated special issues to addressing the issue of fossil fuel-created air pollution and offering solutions to combat climate-change.
- To engage more people in addressing climate-change, several organizations and communities have partnered to create science-based newsletters centered on the health impacts of climate-change and the potential benefits of a cleaner environment for the well-being of future generations.
