A study published in The BMJ indicates that air pollution from fossil fuels results in approximately 5.1 million extra deaths globally each year. This figure represents 61% of the estimated 8.3 million deaths caused by ambient air pollution in 2019. The research suggests that replacing fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy could significantly reduce these deaths.
The study, which used a new model incorporating data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study and NASA satellite observations, explored four scenarios ranging from complete fossil fuel phase-out to the elimination of all human-induced air pollution. The findings show that in 2019, 8.3 million deaths were attributable to air pollution, with the majority linked to fossil fuel emissions. The highest death tolls were in South and East Asia, particularly in China and India.
Most deaths were due to common conditions like heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease, and diabetes. The study indicates that phasing out fossil fuels could prevent about 3.85 million deaths annually in Asia and 460,000 in high-income countries.
The researchers acknowledge some uncertainties in their model but emphasize the public health benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources. They urge leaders at the upcoming COP28 climate change negotiations to prioritize the phase-out of fossil fuels for both health and environmental benefits.
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