Cutting global emissions could prevent 100 million early deaths

Source: The Guardian | by Adam Vaughan

Tackling climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions could save millions of lives because of the cleaner air that would result, according to a recent study. Researchers predict that, by 2050, about 100 million premature deaths caused by respiratory health problems linked to air pollution could be avoided through measures such as low emission cars.

The economic benefits of saving those lives in developing countries such as China and India could also strengthen the negotiating hand of the UK and Europe at a crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen this December.

Johannes Bollen, one of the authors of the report for the Netherlands Environment Agency, said the 100 million early deaths could be prevented by cutting global emissions by 50% by 2050, a target consistent with those being considered internationally.

The reports warns that if governments continue with business-as-usual energy use, then population growth, ageing demographics and increased urbanisation will cause premature deaths from pollution to increase by 30% in OECD countries, and 100% outside the OECD.

The study also has implications for which technologies are chosen to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gases. The study points out that while carbon capture and storage technology can capture CO2, it does not usually trap other air pollutants. Last month, the energy and climate minister, Ed Miliband, put “clean coal” at the centre of UK energy policy by pledging no new coal-fired power stations would be built without at least partial CCS.

In contrast, the report said, reducing car emissions and the number of vehicles on the road would lead to both lower greenhouse gases and fewer local air pollutants from exhausts. Jim Storey, air quality policy adviser at the UK’s Environment Agency, said he wanted climate policies that account for their effect on air pollution: “There are win-wins for climate change and air quality that should be pursued with all haste, such as improving energy efficiency in houses, and reducing emissions from transport. Transport remains the largest cause of air pollution in the UK, and accounts for around 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

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