The ‘Toxic Air: The Price of Fossil Fuels’ report has recently been published by Greenpeace Southeast Asia. This comprehensive report assesses the health impacts and corresponding economical costs associated with air pollution from fossil fuels in 2018. The research focuses on three main pollutants emitted by fossil fuel combustion: fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Understanding PM 2.5, O3, and NO2 Pollutants
PM2.5 refers to small particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or less. These particles are able to reach the gas exchange region of the lungs, making them harmful to human health. Ground level O3, an air pollutant that causes smog, is formed when Nitrogen oxide (NOx) reacts with volatile organic compounds. This type of pollution can cause chest pain, throat irritation, inflammation of airways and damage to vegetation and crops.
Then, we have nitrogen oxides, formed when fossil fuels are burnt. Nitrogen oxides, along with sulfur dioxide which is also produced during combustion of fossil fuels, react with water to form acid rain, snow and fog. They also combine with other substances to form particulate matter. The health impacts associated with exposure to nitrogen oxides include cardiovascular diseases, exacerbated asthma symptoms and other respiratory diseases.
The Health and Economic Impact of Air Pollution
Exposure to a combination of air pollutants like PM2.5, NO2, and ozone leads to a higher incidence of diseases such as Ischaemic Heart Disease, lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, lower respiratory infections, and type II diabetes. These health impacts generate economic costs through healthcare expenditures and work absences.
Air pollution due to fossil fuel burning is estimated to cost around 3.3% of the global GDP, which translates to about US $8 billion per day and approximately 12,000 premature deaths daily. The countries bearing the highest economic costs associated with pollution are China, USA and India, with yearly costs at approximately $900 billion, $600 billion and $150 billion, respectively.
The Burden of PM2.5 on Health and Economy
Of the three pollutants studied, PM2.5 air pollution results in the most severe health impact and financial cost. It is estimated that air pollution causes around 4.5 million premature deaths globally each year, including 3 million attributable to PM2.5. The global GDP loses about 2.5% due to PM2.5 pollution, while pollution from O3 and NO2 each cost approximately 0.4% of the global GDP.
Proposed Solutions for Reducing Air Pollution
Some potential solutions include creating sustainable transport systems by phasing out diesel and petrol cars and promoting car-free days. An example of this is the Ciclovía in Bogotá, Colombia, a weekly event where roads are closed to motorized traffic. Another solution proposed is transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy.
India-specific Findings
PM2.5 is one of the principal pollutants in northern Indian cities like Delhi. Globally, out of 2 million preterm births caused by PM2.5, 981,000 cases occur in India. The report also links approximately 350,000 new cases of child asthma in India to nitrogen dioxide exposure, resulting in over 1.28 million more children living with asthma. The loss of around 490 million workdays in India is attributed to exposure to fossil fuels.
Way Forward for India
India needs to increase its health sector spending. Currently, it spends around 1.28% of its GDP on health, while air pollution from fossil fuels costs an estimated 5.4% of India’s GDP. Meanwhile, coal-fired power plants in India have consistently missed emission deadlines set by the Union Environment Ministry. The government must ensure strict actions against non-compliance of thermal power plants, halt construction of new coal-fired power plants and gradually shut down existing ones. Transitioning the energy generation sector from fossil fuels to renewables will be beneficial for preventing premature deaths and saving on health costs.