(3) Reduces Pollution and Risks to Public Health
Air pollutants not only contribute to climate change but have had severe consequences on public health.  Globally, 9 million deaths per year are attributed to ambient air pollution (5). 

Associated changes in weather patterns have direct impacts: heat-related illnesses and deaths are increasing with the greater number and duration of heat waves (6); storms and flooding, besides their more obvious direct impacts, exacerbate both pollen and mold induced allergies (7); and progressively longer pollen seasons and increased pollen production are causing a rise in asthma (8).

If we put in the extra effort to use clean energy sources, we can significantly improve global health, especially in developing nations. 


(5) The Lancet: Richard Fuller, et al. 2022. Pollution and health: a progress update. Lancet Planet Health 6: e535–47

(6) USEPA. Climate Change Indicators: Heat-Related Deaths 
(7) Gennaro D’Amato, et al. 2020. The effects of climate change on respiratory allergy and asthma induced by pollen and mold allergens. Allergy. 75:2219–2228.
(8) Katelaris, C.H. and P. J. Beggs. 2018. Climate change: allergens and allergic diseases.  Intern Med J. 48:129-134.