Annual Premature Deaths Due to Air Pollution Caused by Fossil Fuels
In a groundbreaking study published by Environmental Research, it has been revealed that the use of fossil fuels is causing the premature deaths of over 8.7 million people worldwide each year [1]. This alarming figure surpasses previous estimates, which placed the number of deaths due to ambient air pollution from fossil fuels between 4.2 million to 4.5 million annually [1][2].
The study, conducted by a team of scientists from universities including University College London and Harvard University, takes a global look at the issue of fossil fuel-created air pollution. The researchers used a chemical transport model to assess how particulate matter and other pollutants travel through the atmosphere, and based their findings on global population data. However, it's important to note that some regions have more data than others, particularly Asia and Africa [1].
The deaths primarily affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from fossil fuels being a key contributor linked to stroke, ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, and other fatal conditions [1][4].
One example given in the article is a patient who wears a mask due to fossil fuel pollution from cars, living near busy roads. Another example is India, where the study finds 2.46 million premature deaths a year due to fossil fuel-created air pollution [1].
The study's findings underscore the importance of transitioning off fossil fuels and adopting clean renewable energy and electric vehicles as alternatives. 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 [1].
This transition can result in significant savings of human lives, as well as dramatically cleaning our air, leading to healthier people and a more habitable planet in the long term [1]. The air pollution studied comes from sources like power plants, planes, cars, and generators, which are preventable [1].
The article, written by Yessenia Funes, climate editor of Atmos, highlights the importance of awareness about the grave health impacts of air pollution for motivating policy changes. President Joe Biden has expressed a commitment to taking the climate crisis seriously and transitioning off dirty sources of energy and fuel.
[1] Funes, Y. (2021). 8.7 million people are dying prematurely each year due to air pollution connected to fossil fuels. The Frontline. Retrieved from https://thefrontline.org/articles/8-7-million-people-are-dying-prematurely-each-year-due-to-air-pollution-connected-to-fossil-fuels/
[2] World Health Organization. (2021). Ambient (outdoor) air pollution. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health
[3] Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). PM2.5 - Particulate Matter. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/pm25-particulate-matter
[4] World Health Organization. (2021). Health impacts of air pollution. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/health-effects-of-air-pollution
- The study published in Environmental Research highlights the significance of transitioning to clean energy, as the use of fossil fuels contributes to over 8.7 million premature deaths each year, a figure that outpaces previous estimates, particularly in regions like Asia and Africa.
- The health editor of Atmos, Yessenia Funes, emphasizes in her article the importance of awareness about the severe health impacts of air pollution, such as the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from fossil fuels, which is linked to conditions like stroke, lung cancer, and heart disease.
- Noting the grave implications, President Joe Biden has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the climate crisis and transitioning away from polluting sources of energy and fuel, potentially leading to a more habitable planet and healthier people in the long term.
- Community initiatives such as a newsletter, health-and-wellness magazines, or local environmental science groups can provide valuable resources for educating the public about the health risks associated with air pollution due to fossil fuels and promote cleaner, renewable energy alternatives.
