Air pollution, causing millions of deaths annually, is a major health concern comparable to smoking, according to the . The 2019 (GBD) statistics found that various forms of global air pollution contribute to 11. 3% of deaths in women and 12.
2 percent in men so far. Improving air quality aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 sustainable development goals, and transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is seen as vital for saving lives and meeting climate targets. Air pollution deaths attributable to fossil fuels A new examines the potential impact of phasing out fossil fuels on disease-specific and overall mortality due to air pollution.
The researchers in the study conclude that an extra 5. 1 million people are dying every year due to air pollution produced by the use of fossil fuels. As per the 2019 GBD statistics, a total of 8.
3 million deaths worldwide are attributable to fine particles (PM2. 5) and ozone (O ) present in the ambient air. Alarmingly, 61 percent of these fatalities, totaling 5.
1 million deaths, are directly associated with fossil fuel-related emissions. This grim statistic indicates that a substantial 82 percent of the maximum potential reduction in air pollution-related deaths could be achieved by effectively controlling all human-made emissions. The highest number of these deaths are taking place across South and East Asia, particularly in China, with 2.
44 million per year, followed by India, with 2. 18 million per year. While a fossil fuel phase-out is considered feasible by 2050, global cooperation on carbon pricing, regulations, and investments remains a challenge, notes the study.
The study used a global atmospheric modeling method to estimate air pollutants. The researchers calculated exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2. 5) using satellite and air quality station data.
The four scenarios in the future The study also evaluated the consequences of a fossil fuel phase-out on disease-specific and overall mortality due to air pollution. Four scenarios were considered, ranging from complete fossil fuel phase-out to no anthropogenic sources. The first scenario is bold: a complete phasing out of all sources related to fossil fuel emissions to eliminate a significant chunk of the pollution affecting our air.
The second and third scenarios take a slightly more gradual approach. They envision achieving a 25 percent (quarterway) and 50 percent (halfway) reduction in exposure towards the ultimate goal of fossil fuel phase-out. The fourth scenario is the most radical: wiping the slate clean of all human-induced (anthropogenic) sources of air pollution.
In this vision, only natural sources like desert dust and natural wildfires would remain, providing a stark contrast to the current human-driven impact on our air quality. The researchers noted that the forthcoming United Nation’s 28th climate summit – (COP28) – “offers an opportunity to make substantial progress towards phasing out fossil fuels. Of which, the health benefits should be high on the agenda.
” The study was published in the journal . .
From: interestingengineering
URL: https://interestingengineering.com/science/fossil-fuel-pollution-5million-deaths
