Transitioning from gas-guzzling vehicles to zero-emissions vehicles can avoid 89,300 premature deaths in the United States by 2050, American Lung Association claims.
However, increased reliance on clean electricity from wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and nuclear sources must coincide with the shift to electric vehicles.
Study highlights
American Lung Association’s study titled “Driving to Clean Air: Health Benefits of Zero-Emission Cars and Electricity” suggests that EV and clean power supply adoption can benefit the state in many aspects, such as the following:
- 89,300 fewer premature deaths
- 2.2 million fewer asthma episodes
- 10.7 million fewer lost workdays
- estimated $978 billion in benefits to the public health
These are undoubtedly strong driving factors to join the clean mobility drive.
“There are very clear benefits of zero-emission technologies.”
William Barrett, Author of the report
How transportation affects public health?
The transportation industry substantially contributes to carbon emissions that cause climate crisis in the US, CNN reports citing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Furthermore, pollution exposure raises the risk of premature death along with developing serious diseases like asthma, heart issues, depression, and even Alzheimer’s.
Alarmingly, about 120 million US citizens live in polluted areas, as the American Lung Association noted. In addition, the report noted that this health threat disproportionately affects low-income and minority groups.
“This transition to zero-emission technologies is critical as a whole but especially critical in making sure that we’re targeting policies and investments and incentive programs so that all communities can take advantage of these health benefits and more healthier transportation choices.”
William Barrett, Author of the report
All that said, the American Lung Association recommends that the government impose more stringent requirements in favor of clean energy vehicles.
“It is imperative that states and the federal government implement stronger standards and take advantage of new funding programs to accelerate the transition away from combustion and toward zero-emission technology.”
American Lung Association
See Also:
- Australia to impose vehicle pollution standards to accelerate its EV adoption
- Norway to cut pollution with the world’s first zero-emissions public transport network
- Australia lags behind other OECD countries on all three Vehicle Pollution Controls
- Denmark to impose Carbon Tax for companies for pollution
- Texas to impose an annual $200 fee on electric vehicle owners
Indeed, bolder state and federal initiatives are required to deliver these health advantages to wider communities in the US. In essence, it will accelerate the switch to non-combustion electricity sources and 100% zero-emission passenger vehicles by 2035.
You can access the American Lung Association’s report here.
