New research from Imperial College London [51.5°N, 0.175°W] demonstrates how transitioning to Net Zero (NZ) carbon emissions can deliver far more than climate benefits. By targeting two major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions — transport and building heating — NZ policies dramatically reduce outdoor and indoor air pollution, improve health outcomes, and create economic advantages. This integrated approach highlights the transformative potential of NZ strategies to improve everyday life while combating climate change.
Key Findings
- Significant Reductions in Air Pollution
- Transitioning to NZ policies cuts PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentrations by up to 3 μg/m³ by 2040, reducing premature deaths and improving quality of life.
- Shifting to electric vehicles (EVs) and low-carbon heating reduces emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in urban areas, where air quality challenges are most severe.
- Health Gains for Millions
- Cleaner air and increased active travel (walking and cycling) add approximately 4.9 million life years gained across the population by 2154.
- Reduced hospitalisations and morbidity from diseases like asthma and heart disease translate into direct and indirect savings.
- Economic Co-Benefits
- Improved air quality and health outcomes deliver economic benefits worth up to £98 billion by 2154, offsetting the costs of NZ transitions.
- For buildings, improved energy efficiency and electrification bring operating cost savings, advancing economic break-even points by several years.
Practical Steps for Cleaner Living
The findings underscore actionable changes that individuals and governments can adopt:
- Switch to Electric Vehicles: EVs eliminate tailpipe emissions, improving urban air quality while reducing noise pollution.
- Rethink Home Energy Use: Retrofitting homes with insulation and heat pumps cuts indoor and outdoor emissions. Removing gas cooking also significantly reduces indoor pollutants like NO₂.
- Active Travel: Walking and cycling are not just good for personal health—they also reduce traffic emissions, easing air pollution for entire communities.
Tackling Air Pollution Indoors
Indoor air pollution often goes unnoticed but can be as harmful as outdoor pollution. NZ policies, such as replacing gas cooking with electric alternatives and improving ventilation systems, are shown to:
- Reduce indoor NO₂ exposure by 20 μg/m³, even in highly insulated homes.
- Lower PM2.5 levels, particularly when homes use clean energy heating systems.
These changes highlight the dual benefits of climate policies—better health and reduced carbon emissions.
What This Means for Communities
For communities, these policies foster cleaner, healthier environments while creating economic opportunities. Local governments and organisations can support the NZ transition by:
- Expanding EV charging networks.
- Subsidising home retrofitting for energy efficiency.
- Encouraging active travel through better infrastructure.
A Call to Action
This research is a reminder that addressing climate change and improving public health go hand in hand. By adopting NZ policies, we can pave the way for a future where cleaner air, healthier lives, and a sustainable planet are within reach.
Source
Climate Change Policies Reduce Air Pollution and Increase Physical Activity: Benefits, Costs, Inequalities, and Indoor Exposures, Environment International, 2024-01
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