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Net-zero policies could save upto 15,000 lives

A new study shows that US net-zero policies could reduce air pollution, delivering health benefits worth $65–128 billion in 2035 alone. Six independent teams modeled the economic and environmental impacts of decarbonisation, consistently finding that reducing carbon emissions also cuts harmful air pollutants, leading to significant health gains.

Dr. Dan Loughlin of the US EPA noted that pathways emphasizing electrification with wind and solar yield the greatest co-benefits. By 2035, air pollution-related premature deaths could drop by 4,000–15,000 annually, with central and northwestern states seeing the largest gains.

Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2666278724000412
Source: The Guardian 29 Novemeber 2024 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/29/climate-policies-red...

In this issue

How oceans could soak climate policy

Oceans are acknowledged in several UNFCCC processes, but there is a pressing need for more precise and integrated actions to fully harness their climate mitigation potential.

Editorial: Integrating ecosystems and climate demands a broad approach

The earth’s climate system and the global carbon cycle are coupled with major ecosystems such as forests and oceans ...

COP16 in Cali call for unified action on biodiversity and climate

The biodiversity summit decided to improve policy coherence across the Rio Conventions. But there was little concrete progress on critical issues like financing and forests.

Ozone – the invisible threat to Europe’s forests

Ambitious measures to tackle ozone precursors could reduce impact on forests by 30 per cent. This would boost biomass growth and significantly enhance carbon storage.

The future of an Agri-ETS in the EU

Agriculture faces growing scrutiny over its modest emissions reductions. The concept of an agricultural emissions trading system (Agri-ETS) has emerged as a focal point of debate.

Time to cut ship emissions in the North Atlantic

Designating the North Atlantic as an Emission Control Area could lead to significant air pollution reductions from shipping that would benefit both human health and the environment.

Climate impacts in northern forests

New report provides a review of the current scientific literature on climate impacts in northern forests.

The role of northern forests in limiting warming to 1.5°C

Analysis of 1.5°C-compatible pathways shows that the most important land-based mitigation action for northern forests is to halt deforestation by 2030.

Global warming heading for 3°C

COP29 showed insufficient progress in climate pledges. Greenhouse gas emissions must decrease by at least 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 to meet Paris Agreement goals.

Stockholm gets ready for zero emissions

The Swedish capital will soon have its first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ), only allowing access in a central area to those vehicles that meet strict electrification and emission standards.

A milestone for cleaner air

The European Union has now adopted the Ambient Air Quality Directive, which is a move closer to the WHO standards. Though some steps remain before it is fully aligned.

Gas flaring in the Amazon sparks legal and environmental battle

Indigenous girls are leading legal action against the Ecuadorian state for authorizing gas flaring near their homes. Currently, this harmful practice is permitted as close as 100 metres from residential areas.

Unlocking the potential of energy sufficiency

Countries and regions that adopt sufficiency strategies can achieve enhanced energy security, reduced environmental impacts, and economic sustainability.

Main menu

Net-zero policies could save upto 15,000 lives

In this issue

How oceans could soak climate policy

Editorial: Integrating ecosystems and climate demands a broad approach

COP16 in Cali call for unified action on biodiversity and climate

Ozone – the invisible threat to Europe’s forests

The future of an Agri-ETS in the EU

Time to cut ship emissions in the North Atlantic

Climate impacts in northern forests

The role of northern forests in limiting warming to 1.5°C

Global warming heading for 3°C

Stockholm gets ready for zero emissions

A milestone for cleaner air

Gas flaring in the Amazon sparks legal and environmental battle

Unlocking the potential of energy sufficiency

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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