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Renewable energy And Health

U.S. AFFILIATE OF INTERNATIONAL PHYSICIANS FOR THE PREVENTION OF NUCLEAR WAR

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U.S. AFFILIATE OF INTERNATIONAL PHYSICIANS FOR THE PREVENTION OF NUCLEAR WAR

Renewable energy is one of the most promising sources of clean, safe energy in the United States.Renewable energy sources like wind, solar and geothermal emit virtually no greenhouse gases orother dangerous air and toxic pollutants. Plus, it is available nationwide and increasingly affordable. Increasing the use of renewable energy, and support for renewable energy programs, decreases ourreliance on dangerous fossil fuels. By reducing the amount of coal, natural gas, and other fossil fuelswe burn to generate energy renewables programs protect our health, limiting the number of harmfulpollutants in our air and lessening the burden of climate change.

Climate Change

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Climate change is the number one public health crisis facingcommunities and reliance on fossil fuels is one of the leadingcauses of climate change. The climate catastrophe is alreadyharming our health and safety, and without committedaction to reduce greenhouse gases the health crisis causedby fossil fuel use will only worsen.   Left unchecked or insufficiently addressed, the climate crisiscauses:

Severe heat waves leading to heat cramps, heatexhaustion, and heat strokeSpread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, denguefever, and Lyme diseaseReduced crop yields and crop failure leading tomalnutrition & starvationIncreased severe climate-related events leading to injury,death, & displacementPsychological trauma leading to mental health problems

Health Burden of Fossil Fuels Air and Toxic FuelsBurning, refining, and transportation of fossil fuelsproduce air pollution and numerous air toxics, such asparticulate matter, nitrous oxide, mercury and volatileorganic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful tohuman health in a variety of ways, including:

The development and exacerbation of asthmaIncreased burden of chronic obstructive pulmonarydisorderIncreased infant mortalityIncreased heart disease, heart attacks, and congestiveheart failureIncrease in ischemic strokesHigher incidence of lung cancerDevelopmental delays in fetuses, infants, and children

Lung cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, heartdisease, and stroke all rank among the most lethalconditions in the U.S. Air pollution from the use of fossilfuels contributes significantly to the burden of theseconditions.In the U.S. altogether, transitioning to clean renewableenergy could:

Prevent 52,000 premature deaths annuallySave $167 billion in health costs over 35years[1]

[1] The Health Co-Benefits of Climate Action, Washington Physiciansfor Social Responsibility, https://www.wpsr.org/co-benefits

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While the climate crisis puts the health of all individuals at risk,the effects of global heating and air pollution are felt most byspecific vulnerable populations. Groups such as children, theelderly, people with preexisting conditions, communities ofcolor, and low-income communities are already and willcontinue to feel the worst effects of climate change.

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Clean Renewable EnergyWhile transitioning away from nonrenewable energy sourcessuch as fossil fuels is essential to protect health, we mustnote that not all energy sources labeled as “renewable” areclean and safe.  Clean renewable energy includes sources like wind, solar,geothermal and tidal energy, which emit almost nogreenhouse gases or air and toxic pollution. Other sources sometimes deemed as renewable such asbiomass and municipal solid waste can emit greenhousegases as well as dangerous levels of air and toxic pollutionthat harm human health.

Vulnerable Communities

Children have a greater sensitivity to certainexposures and are at higher risk of injury, illness,or death from extreme weather events such ahurricanes and floods. The elderly are at particularly high risk of adversehealth effects from extreme heat and have, onaverage, lower mobility, which exacerbatesdisplacementLow-income communities already suffer frompoor health and inadequate health infrastructure,both of which put them at higher risk due toclimate change

It is essential that when pursuing renewable energy solutions,we ensure that progress respects environmental justice andprotects these vulnerable populations. This means investing inclean, safe renewable energy alternatives, especially incommunities of color that are disproportionately located bypollutant-emitting energy sources.

Source: https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3

Economic Growth and a Just TransitionTransitioning to a carbon-free economy centered around renewableenergy provides the opportunity for a wealth of equitable economicgrowth. Installation,operations, and maintenance of renewable energylike solar and wind power are fast-growing sources of quality new jobsthat cannot be easily shipped offshore.  Low socioeconomic status and poverty are closely linked with poorhealth outcomes but can be addressed through investment inrenewable energy and renewable energy jobs. However, we mustensure that there is a just transition to 100% renewable energy thatprovides economic benefits to affected and displaced communities. 

Transitioning to 100% clean, safe renewable energy is both feasibleand essential to prevent widespread disease, injury, and socialdisruption associated with climate change. Our efforts to protect ourenvironment and mitigate climate change by promoting renewablesources is key to creating healthier communities as well as aiding theinterests of vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. In short,clean,safe renewable energy is a positive force for our climate,health, and society.

Conclusion