Climate Change: Pollution's Dark Twin

Climate change and air pollution are two sides of the same coin, with the former worsening the latter. The effects of air pollution wreak havoc on human health and the planet, with over 7 million people dying prematurely each year due to air pollution. The causes of air pollution and climate change overlap, with the same chemicals sometimes being emitted simultaneously. For example, burning coal releases toxic mercury and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Climate change, in turn, exacerbates air pollution through more frequent and intense wildfires, which release pollutants and degrade air quality. Addressing air pollution is crucial for tackling the climate challenge, and aligning health and climate actions can lead to innovative strategies for mitigating their impacts.

Short-lived climate pollutants

Black carbon, formed through the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels, has a short atmospheric lifetime, ranging from days to weeks. It strongly absorbs sunlight, causing a more rapid melting of snow and ice. Methane and black carbon are emitted from human activities such as fossil fuel production, agriculture, and waste, as well as from natural sources. Wildfires are another significant source of black carbon.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are human-made fluorinated gases used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). While HFCs are climate forcers, they are the only short-lived species among the fluorinated gases. Reducing SLCP emissions can quickly mitigate global warming, with the potential to slow the planet's warming by about 0.6°C by 2050. Fast action on SLCP sources, such as adopting clean cooking and heating technologies, could prevent approximately 2.4 million deaths annually.

Addressing SLCPs is crucial for both climate and health goals. Countries can incorporate targets and policies for SLCPs into their nationally determined contributions (NDCs), as outlined in the Paris Agreement, to drive emissions reductions and reap immediate benefits. By tackling SLCPs alongside carbon dioxide reductions, we can avoid dangerous climate tipping points and protect the most vulnerable populations from the impacts of climate change.

Health impacts

Climate change and pollution are closely linked, with overlapping causes and effects. This has a significant impact on human health, which is discussed below.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health

The health of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is closely linked to air quality. Poor air quality, caused by pollutants, can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including asthma, bronchitis, lung disease, and heart disease. Fine particles, released into the air when coal is burned for energy, can be inhaled and cause respiratory issues. Additionally, higher levels of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant, can damage lung tissue, reduce lung function, and inflame airways, exacerbating asthma and other respiratory conditions. Children, older adults, outdoor workers, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.

Mental Health

Climate change and pollution can also impact mental health. Extreme weather events, displacement, disrupted social cohesion, and natural disasters can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of these events, putting more people at risk of developing mental health issues.

Foodborne and Waterborne Illnesses

Climate stressors heighten the risk of foodborne and waterborne illnesses. Changes in temperature and precipitation can enhance the spread of vector-borne diseases. Warmer temperatures also create conditions favourable for mosquitoes and ticks, which can spread diseases like Lyme disease and malaria.

Extreme Weather Events

Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. These events can directly cause injuries, illnesses, and deaths. For example, heat-related deaths among those over 65 have risen by 70% in two decades, with 37% of these attributed to human-induced climate change. Additionally, the particulate matter from wildfire smoke can be carried long distances, affecting the respiratory health of those living far from the fire source.

Social Determinants of Health

Climate change can also impact the social determinants of health. It can affect livelihoods, equality, and access to healthcare and social support structures. Vulnerable populations, including women, children, ethnic minorities, low-income communities, migrants, older populations, and those with underlying health conditions, are disproportionately affected by climate-sensitive health risks.

Economic impacts

Climate change and pollution are closely linked, with overlapping causes and effects. Short-lived climate pollutants, such as methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and tropospheric ozone, have a significant impact on global temperatures and are also harmful air pollutants. These pollutants contribute to climate change and have detrimental economic impacts.

The economic impacts of climate change and pollution are far-reaching and complex, affecting various sectors and regions differently. Here are some key ways in which climate change and pollution impact the economy:

• Direct Economic Losses: Climate change-related disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding, have resulted in significant economic losses for affected regions. For example, according to Morgan Stanley, North America incurred $415 billion in losses over a three-year period due to climate disasters, with Texas's losses from Hurricane Harvey estimated at $125 billion. The impact of these disasters on economic activity, infrastructure, and productivity is substantial.
• Sector-Specific Damages: Specific economic sectors bear the brunt of air pollution damages. In the United States, agriculture, utilities, manufacturing, and transportation are among the sectors with the highest external damages. In 2014, the economic cost of air pollution in the US was approximately $790 billion, or about 5% of its yearly gross domestic product (GDP). The highest costs are often associated with early deaths and health issues caused by exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
• Impact on Labour Productivity: Temperature extremes are projected to result in significant productivity losses. By 2090, an estimated two billion labour hours may be lost each year, leading to $160 billion in lost wages. Certain regions, such as the Southern Great Plains and the Southeast, are expected to experience declines in productivity due to heat exposure, with some counties in Texas and Florida projected to lose more than 6% of labour hours annually by 2100.
• Effect on Winter Recreation and Tourism: Warmer temperatures and reduced snow and ice can negatively impact winter recreational activities, affecting local economies that depend on these sectors. Additionally, climate change-related impacts, such as severe wildfires, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss, can deter tourism in certain regions, further exacerbating economic losses.
• Changes in Trade and Resource Availability: The melting of Arctic sea ice will open new shipping lanes, reducing transport times for trade. At the same time, the warming Arctic may also provide new opportunities for oil and gas drilling. Climate change will likely alter the availability and demand for certain resources, impacting various industries. For example, the market for air conditioning and cooling products is expected to grow, and biotech companies are developing crops that are more resistant to climate change impacts.
• Impact on Poverty and Development: Climate change is expected to significantly alter the pursuit of economic development, particularly in poor countries. It introduces a dimension of insecurity, making households, communities, and governments more vulnerable to shocks and extreme weather events. While climate change may reduce economic output in poor countries, other factors could come into play, resulting in ongoing economic progress despite these challenges.

These economic impacts of climate change and pollution are interconnected and have far-reaching consequences for governments, businesses, and communities worldwide. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that aligns climate action with economic development goals.

Wildfires

The impact of wildfires extends beyond the immediate destruction of the environment, property, and livestock. Wildfire smoke is a mixture of hazardous air pollutants, including PM2.5, NO2, ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons, and lead. These fine particles can easily penetrate homes and buildings, increasing indoor particle concentrations and posing significant health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant people, and those with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. The health effects of exposure to wildfire smoke can be both immediate and long-term, ranging from respiratory and cardiovascular issues to cognitive impairment and memory loss.

Climate change plays a crucial role in intensifying the frequency, severity, and duration of wildfires. As global temperatures rise, fire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer. Warmer and drier conditions, coupled with fuel build-up in forests due to historical fire suppression, create a conducive environment for extreme fires. This trend is particularly evident in regions like the Western United States, Mexico, Brazil, and East Africa, where fire seasons have extended by more than a month over the past 35 years.

The impact of wildfires extends beyond the immediate destruction caused by the flames. Wildfires also contribute significantly to air pollution and climate change. They release large quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, such as methane and black carbon, into the atmosphere. For example, the 2023 wildfires in Canada emitted about 640 million metric tons of carbon. Additionally, the burning of fossil fuels during firefighting efforts further contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

To mitigate the risks associated with wildfires, communities, land managers, and policymakers must work together. Implementing strategies such as smart zoning rules that discourage residential development near fire-prone forests and increasing the space between structures and nearby vegetation can help reduce the potential damage caused by wildfires. By aligning health and climate actions, innovative strategies can be developed to address the complex interplay between wildfires, air pollution, and climate change.

Action and policy

Focus on cities

Cities play a critical role in driving climate action and reducing air pollution. By focusing on urban areas, collective efforts to limit the rise in global temperature can be amplified. This includes implementing policies and strategies for housing, solid waste management, and transportation to transition to a low-carbon economy.

Invest in cross-sector energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies

Investing in clean and renewable energy sources, such as the Renewable Fuels Standard Program, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. This includes adopting cost-effective climate and pollution policies, such as decarbonization strategies, and promoting the use of electric vehicles.

Promote inclusive, collaborative governance

Meaningful engagement and collaboration between governments, civil society, businesses, and the people are essential for successful climate and pollution policies. This includes integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning, as well as improving education and awareness about climate change and its mitigation.

Address major sources of pollution

Industries such as transportation, oil and natural gas, and power are significant contributors to climate-harming pollution. Regulatory actions and initiatives, such as the Clean Air Act, can help reduce emissions and combat climate change. Additionally, phasing out the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and methane can significantly reduce the impact of these potent greenhouse gases.

Strengthen national commitments

International cooperation is crucial in addressing climate change and pollution. The Paris Climate Change Agreement provides a framework for countries to enhance their nationally determined contributions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Leaders of national governments must continue to work together to accelerate climate action and meet the goals outlined in the agreement.

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