Fossil fuel air pollution caused 8.7m deaths globally

An estimated one in five deaths each year can be attributed to air pollution from fossil fuel burning, a figure much higher than previously thought, according to new research led by Harvard University and published in the journal Environment Research.

The study “Global mortality from outdoor fine particle pollution generated by fossil fuel combustion: Results from GEOS-Chem” shows that more 8.7 million people around the globe die each year as a result of breathing in fine particle (PM) pollution from the burning of fossil fuels. Regions with the highest concentrations of fossil-fuel-related air pollution, including eastern North America, Europe, and South-East Asia, have the highest rates of mortality.

“Our study adds to the mounting evidence that air pollution from ongoing dependence on fossil fuels is detrimental to global health. We can’t in good conscience continue to rely on fossil fuels, when we know that there are such severe effects on health and viable, cleaner alternatives,” said co-author Eloise Marais at UCL.

Source: UCL News, 9 February 2021. Link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2021/feb/fossil-fuel-air-pollution-responsibl...

In this issue

Ocean acidification increases the agony of the Baltic Sea

Because of low alkalinity and high primary production, the daily fluctuation of pH in the surface water is already high, and ocean acidification is projected to increase this variation further.

Editorial

Marine areas around the world face dramatic changes related to the release of greenhouse gases. Some of these changes — such as marine heat waves already proven devastating to coral reefs — are directly related to the temperature regimes experienced by the organisms. In addition, there is a whole list of other changes that occur concurrently.

Improved air quality could save 200,000 lives per year

Reducing urban air pollution in 31 European countries to below the WHO recommended levels could prevent more than 50,000 deaths per year, and if the cities manage to bring down air pollution in line with the lowest measured levels, over 200,000 annual deaths could be prevented.

EU Clean Air Outlook

The annual health benefits of additional measures needed to achieve the 2030 national emissions ceilings are estimated at €12–43 billion, up to 31 times higher than the estimated costs.

EU countries falling short of air pollution targets

All but two EU member states have failed to show how they will cut air pollution to comply with the National Emission Ceilings Directive, a troubling new report finds.

Renewables have reduced environmental pressures in EU

A new study shows that the increase in renewable electricity has reduced the EU’s climate change impact as well as land, air and water pollution. Targeted actions will further reduce environmental impacts of the energy transtition.

Estonia: from shale to gale

Rising CO₂ emission quota prices finally seem to have pushed oil shale power off the energy market in Estonia.

Net zero air travel? Climate-positive hamburgers?

Carbon offsetting under the CDM produces extraordinary claims. Don’t believe them, says the Swedish broadsheet Dagens Nyheter.

Towards sustainability of marine governance

EU member states are currently developing Marine Spatial Plans, a key tool to improve cross-sector cooperation and minimise spatial conflicts. Multiple useful reports provide best-practice examples and policy recommendations.

Phasing out fossil gas power stations in Europe by 2030

Presenting a list of gas-fired power stations in the EU and the UK that should be closed within the next 10 years.

Fossil fuel air pollution caused 8.7m deaths globally

In this issue

Ocean acidification increases the agony of the Baltic Sea

Editorial

Improved air quality could save 200,000 lives per year

EU Clean Air Outlook

EU countries falling short of air pollution targets

Renewables have reduced environmental pressures in EU

Estonia: from shale to gale

Net zero air travel? Climate-positive hamburgers?

Towards sustainability of marine governance

Phasing out fossil gas power stations in Europe by 2030

In Breif

100% renewable electricity supply is possible by 2030

Meeting Paris goals and phasing out fossil fuels could save “millions of lives”

UN Secretary General urges all countries to declare climate emergency

Bulgaria and Greece to go to court for air quality breaches

Hungary breached EU air pollution limits

Domestic wood burning biggest PM emitter in the UK

Major emitters of air pollution often overlooked

Close links between air pollution and climate action

Ocean Acidification Action Week initated by the BALSAM-project, 3-9 May 2021

Decarbonising the shipping industry

Rules of the Paris Agreement

Slow progress on proposal to modernise Energy Charter Treaty

Climate crimes must be brought to justice

Solar radiative management opposed

CAN conclusions on CCS

Fossil fuel air pollution caused 8.7m deaths globally

Clean Air Day 2021

Phase out scrubbers on ships

Support for Mediterranean Emission Control Area

Publications

Food for Thought

Northern forests, climate change and the UNFCCC

EU climate targets aligned with the Paris agreement’s 1.5°C objective

Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Collaborative-Learning project

Air pollution in Europe and children’s health

Climate Change: A Himalayan Odessey

No further discussion needed. The agreed global goal is to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C

Fossil-free electricity 2021

What we do

Air pollution

Climate Change

Policy initiatives

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