Investment in Clean Energy Could Save Millions of Lives

Earlier this summer, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released a new study outlining the dangers posed by air pollution to the population worldwide. Disconcertingly, it highlighted the fact that at least 6.5 million people die prematurely due to poor air quality every year.

In more encouraging news, the IEA also asserted that just a small increase in investment into cleaner forms of energy and improving air quality could drastically improve that staggering death toll, shaving millions off it every year.

Indoor pollution a bigger killer than outdoor

Traditionally, air pollution comes from such sources as noxious fumes from vehicle exhausts, improper methods of waste disposal and unsustainable forms of energy generation, such as coal-fired power plants. Indeed, it was found in 2011 that Chinese power plants emit as much nitrogen oxides (NOx) as all of the passenger cars in the world. This outdoor pollution kills as many as three million people every year.

Though it’s tempting to think of air pollution as being an exclusively outdoors problem, many lives are claimed from inhaling contaminated air indoors, as well. In fact, more people are killed from the polluted interiors of their homes, with 3.5 million lives cut short annually by indoor air pollution and airways up to three times more noxious inside than on the streets. This occurs most commonly in the developing world, where wood-fired stoves are the cheapest and most common form of energy production.

Wherever the pollution occurs, it has now become the fourth biggest killer worldwide. Only high blood pressure, poor diet and smoking kill more people on an annual basis than poor air quality. Clearly, something must be done.

Only a small increase in investment is needed

The IEA report argues that it would not take much in terms of financial investment to seriously tackle this problem, outlining three key methods of air quality improvement:

• Putting in place long-term goals for air quality which strive for excellence
• Continually monitoring and evaluating air quality around the world
• Addressing the energy sector’s reliance on fossil fuels and coming up with clean, renewable alternatives which meet our needs satisfactorily

“With only a 7% increase in total energy investment over the period to 2040, the Clean Air Scenario produces a sharp improvement in health compared with our main scenario: premature deaths from outdoor air pollution are 1.7 million lower in 2040 and, from household pollution, 1.6 million lower,” says the report.

The good news is that changes are being made already. China, mentioned above as one of the long-standing main offenders when it comes to air pollution, have made great strides in terms of renewable energy generation and clean practices and have ambitious targets of cutting emissions by 50% or more by 2030. Though work is still needed from the Asian super power to bring its emissions to heel, its progressive stance on the subject is encouraging, to say the least.

If the rest of the world – from governments and big business right down to individuals – can be persuaded to follow suit, only a small adjustment in terms of investment and daily habits could see air pollution relegated to a footnote in a history book. Right now, it’s claiming the main headlines – and for all the wrong reasons.