The public health co-benefits of strategies consistent with net-zero emissions

The public health co-benefits of strategies consistent with net-zero emissions

The public health co-benefits of strategies consistent with net-zero emissions

Moving toward net-zero emission societies is crucial for minimizing the risks of climate change, and the good news is that such strategies can also provide substantial public health co-benefits. Synthesizing the evidence on these co-benefits is key to enhancing engagement of decision-makers and populations in climate mitigation actions.

Climate Change and Public Health

The accelerated production of greenhouse gases (GHG) due to human activity has led to unprecedented global warming, making climate mitigation strategies crucial for protecting public health. Strategies that achieve net-zero emissions—where GHG emissions are reduced to the lowest possible level with remaining emissions offset by natural or artificial carbon sinks—can provide a range of health co-benefits in addition to climate stabilization.

These co-benefits arise through various pathways. Air quality improvements from reduced fossil fuel combustion can lower exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants, curbing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Shifts toward renewable energy and active transportation can enhance physical activity levels, reducing the burden of chronic diseases. And dietary changes, such as consuming less meat and more plant-based foods, can improve nutrition and reduce the risk of conditions like obesity and diabetes.

Emissions Reduction Strategies

Governments, companies, and civil society organizations have been developing roadmaps to achieve net-zero emissions over time. These strategies activate different levers, such as technological innovation, policy instruments, and behavioral changes.

Technological solutions include improving energy efficiency, scaling up renewable energy like wind and solar, and enabling decarbonized energy production through innovations like carbon capture and storage. Policy tools range from carbon pricing and emissions trading to regulations and incentives that reduce energy/material demand. And behavioral shifts involve changing consumption patterns, transportation modes, and dietary choices.

Health Co-Benefits of Mitigation

Implementing these mitigation strategies can provide substantial and potentially cost-effective public health co-benefits. Studies have found that half of net-zero scenarios show a mortality reduction of more than 1.5% in addition to the direct climate benefits.

For example, one review estimated that reducing fossil fuel use and implementing emission control technologies could prevent over 70,000 cases of chronic and acute bronchitis, 600,000 asthma attacks, and 16,000 adult and infant deaths due to PM10 pollution in cities like São Paulo and Santiago. Another study found that shifting to more plant-based diets and active transportation in Brazil could avoid 167 premature deaths per 100,000 population.

However, the magnitude of these co-benefits can vary greatly depending on the specific mitigation levers, emission sectors, modeling approaches, and geographic contexts. Understanding and quantifying these nuances is crucial for designing effective strategies that maximize public health outcomes.

Sustainable Urban Planning

Many of the emission reduction strategies with the greatest health co-benefits are closely tied to sustainable urban planning. Promoting active transportation like walking and cycling, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and enhancing green spaces can simultaneously reduce GHG emissions and provide direct health benefits through increased physical activity, better air quality, and improved mental well-being.

Integrating these considerations into urban development plans and infrastructure investments not only supports climate goals but also advances public health initiatives. For example, the cities of Bogotá, Colombia, and São Paulo, Brazil, have made significant investments in bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets, showcasing how local leaders can drive impactful change.

Environmental Determinants of Health

Air Quality Improvements

A major pathway for health co-benefits is through air quality improvements. Reducing emissions from sectors like energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture can substantially lower exposure to harmful pollutants like PM2.5, ozone, and nitrogen oxides. This in turn mitigates the burden of cardiovascular, respiratory, and other pollution-related diseases.

The magnitude of air quality-related benefits depends on factors like population density, baseline pollution levels, and the specific emission sources targeted. Studies suggest the largest co-benefits may come from tackling emissions in highly polluted urban centers across South America.

Renewable Energy Transitions

The shift toward renewable energy sources like wind and solar also offers significant public health advantages. By displacing fossil fuel combustion, renewable energy can improve air quality and reduce the health impacts associated with air pollution. Additionally, renewable energy can enhance energy access and reliability, which is crucial for supporting resilient health systems.

Many South American countries are well-positioned to expand their renewable energy capacity, as the region has abundant renewable resources. Initiatives that support this transition, such as power purchase agreements, grid balancing innovations, and targeted policy frameworks, can yield important co-benefits for population health.

Socioeconomic Impacts

Equity and Vulnerable Populations

Climate mitigation strategies have the potential to reduce health inequities, as the most disadvantaged communities are often disproportionately exposed to environmental risks. For example, studies in the United States have shown that enhanced electrification and active transportation initiatives can provide greater health benefits for residents of marginalized neighborhoods.

However, the distribution of co-benefits is not always equitable. Ensuring that climate policies and programs target the specific needs of vulnerable populations, such as low-income groups, racial/ethnic minorities, and the elderly, is crucial for advancing environmental justice and public health.

Economic Opportunities

In addition to health gains, climate mitigation strategies can also generate substantial economic co-benefits. Several studies have estimated that the monetized value of health improvements can outweigh the costs of implementing net-zero policies, depending on the region.

These economic co-benefits can include job creation, increased labor productivity, reduced healthcare expenditures, and broader economic resilience. Strategically positioning green industries and sustainable infrastructure investments can thus serve as a win-win for climate action and public health.

Adaptation and Resilience

Disaster Risk Reduction

While climate mitigation strategies focus on reducing GHG emissions, adaptation measures are also essential for protecting public health from the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Strategies like improving early warning systems, enhancing disaster preparedness, and strengthening health system resilience can safeguard vulnerable populations from climate-related hazards like extreme weather events, wildfires, and infectious disease outbreaks.

Community-Based Initiatives

Engaging local communities in the design and implementation of climate adaptation initiatives is key to ensuring these efforts are effective and equitable. Community-based programs that bolster social cohesion, environmental stewardship, and disaster risk management can enhance the resilience of populations facing the health threats of a changing climate.

As the world transitions toward net-zero emissions, the mounting evidence highlights the substantial public health co-benefits that can arise from climate mitigation strategies. By strategically aligning these efforts with initiatives that address air quality, transportation, energy, and socioeconomic factors, policymakers and stakeholders in Europe and beyond can drive transformative change that benefits both the climate and human health. Seizing these opportunities is crucial for building more sustainable and resilient societies.

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