Written by Communitopia Board Member - Erin Bell

Harvard University released a study last month analyzing the health impacts of air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels. The study found that the number of global deaths caused by fossil fuel pollution is nearly double what was previously thought.

The numbers are unsettling, to say the least. Air pollution from fossil fuels causes more than 8 million premature deaths globally, accounting for nearly 18% of total deaths across the world. That amounts to just under 1 in 5 people. 

The study used newly developed software and advanced technology in order to differentiate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) linked specifically to fossil fuel emissions from other types of air pollution. Researchers then developed a new risk assessment model to determine how PM2.5 from fossil fuels affected health outcomes for people across the globe. This research methodology allowed them to directly link and accurately measure the number of deaths resulting from fossil fuel emissions specifically. 

This new information underscores the importance of transitioning to a fossil fuel-free future. It also serves as a reminder that the burning of fossil fuels has consequences that extend beyond our changing climate. There are also immediate and severe impacts on public health and socioeconomic welfare. 

These findings translate into some pretty shocking statistics for the Keystone State. In Pennsylvania, there were over 25,380 extra deaths per year of people older than 14 due to exposure to PM2.5 from fossil fuels. Pennsylvania also had the greatest number of excess deaths due to exposure to PM2.5 from fossil fuels per 100,000 as compared to any other state. 

Joel Schwartz, Professor of Environmental Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and co-author of the study, said, “Often, when we discuss the dangers of fossil fuel combustion, it’s in the context of CO2 and climate change, and we overlook the potential health impact of the pollutants co-emitted with greenhouse gases,” said Schwartz. “We hope that by quantifying the health consequences of fossil fuel combustion, we can send a clear message to policymakers and stakeholders of the benefits of a transition to alternative energy sources.”

If you’re interested in “seeing” evidence of the pollutants co-emitted with greenhouse gases in our region, check out PlumePGH’s newest map designed in partnership with CREATE LAB. When you’re ready to take action and report your concern to the powers that be, we recommend checking out the Breath Project’s Take Action page where you can join thousands of others in the fight to clean our region’s air.