Unhealthy Fossil Fuel Emissions Cut Short Lives of Millions Annually
Air pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels is a global health crisis that claims millions of lives each year. According to a recent study published in Environmental Research, more than 8 million people are dying prematurely due to air pollution linked to fossil fuels.
The study, conducted by a team of scientists from various universities including University College London and Harvard University, focuses on PM 2.5, a type of particulate matter that can enter the bloodstream when inhaled and poses threats to cardiovascular and neurological systems.
The findings of the study highlight the grave health impact of air pollution, which can make people more inclined to take action and push for policy changes. However, the numbers vary, with some estimates citing approximately 5 to 5.2 million premature deaths globally each year due to air pollution linked to fossil fuel use.
These figures are based on data from recent studies and health organizations. For instance, one source indicates that around 62% of the 8.34 million deaths from outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone pollution are attributable to fossil fuel emissions, translating to roughly 5.2 million deaths per year. Another authoritative source also estimates about 5 million yearly deaths directly from fossil fuel-related air pollution worldwide.
Broad estimates suggest that total deaths from all pollution are close to 9 million per year, with around 7 million from air pollution overall. However, the more specific fossil fuel-related figures consistently center near 5 million annually.
The study, which uses a chemical transport model that assesses pollutant travel, estimates 8.7 million premature deaths annually due to air pollution linked to fossil fuels.
The air pollution caused by fossil fuels is preventable. If global leaders take steps to meet their emissions targets, it will be necessary to leave fossil fuels in the ground to reduce air pollution and save lives.
The issue of fossil fuel-created air pollution has been addressed on a global scale in the new study. For instance, the patient encounters shared by George Washington Medical Faculty Associates ear, nose, and throat doctor Neelu Tummala underscore the impact of air pollution. Dr. Tummala shared an encounter with a patient whose breathing worsened when he stepped outside without a face mask, living near busy roads. This situation reminded Dr. Tummala of her uncle in India who also wears a mask due to poor air quality affecting his breathing.
President Joe Biden has expressed a commitment to addressing the climate crisis, which may require transitioning off dirty sources of energy and fuel as soon as possible. A transition away from fossil fuels could save many lives and is necessary to meet more ambitious emissions targets set by global leaders.
The study findings are important numbers to have, according to Dr. Neelu Tummala, as they raise awareness of the health impact of air pollution. However, it's worth noting that the study findings are estimates, potentially underestimates, and vary in solidity depending on data availability, particularly in Asia and Africa.
In conclusion, the widely cited figure for premature deaths caused each year by fossil fuel-connected air pollution globally is about 5 million, based on data from recent studies and health organizations. This underscores the urgent need for action to address air pollution caused by fossil fuels and transition to cleaner sources of energy to save lives and protect public health.
- The study, conducted by scientists from various universities, focuses on the grave health impact of air pollution linked to fossil fuels, particularly PM 2.5, a type of particulate matter.
- President Joe Biden has expressed a commitment to addressing the climate crisis, which may require transitioning off dirty sources of energy and fuel to meet more ambitious emissions targets.
- The findings of the study are estimates, potentially underestimates, and vary in solidity due to data availability, particularly in Asia and Africa.
- If global leaders take steps to meet their emissions targets, it will be necessary to leave fossil fuels in the ground to reduce air pollution, save lives, and transition to cleaner sources of energy, such as those in the health-and-wellness and environmental-science sectors.
