By Abdulllahi Lukman
Countries that weaken or abandon their net zero and climate action plans risk consigning their populations to a future of preventable illnesses, according to recent studies.
While the benefits of reaching net zero are often framed as global and long-term, these policies provide immediate health gains as well.
Reducing fossil fuel use leads to decreased air pollution, which directly improves public health.
This underlines that climate action not only addresses environmental concerns but also yields local health benefits, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs in the present day.
For example, policies aimed at achieving net zero emissions in the United States by 2050 are expected to result in rapid health improvements, particularly by 2035.
If these policies are implemented, it is predicted that between 4,000 and 15,000 fewer Americans would die annually due to air pollution, which would save the U.S. economy between $65 billion and $128 billion.
The long-term benefits are even more significant, demonstrating that the health and economic advantages of transitioning to net zero go beyond just reducing emissions and combating climate change.
In the United Kingdom, a study led by Imperial College London also highlights significant health benefits from pursuing net zero strategies.
Dr. Mike Holland, a researcher involved in the study, pointed out that fundamental changes needed for the net zero transition would bring lasting benefits to public health.
However, he warned that if the UK fails to follow through with net zero plans, the nation would face worsened health outcomes.
According to the study, not only would climate-related issues worsen, but the population would also suffer from higher rates of illness and death.
This scenario would represent a “double own goal,” undermining both public health and climate goals.
The research specifically analyzed the net zero pathways for transport and buildings in the UK’s sixth carbon budget, which outlines the country’s climate targets.
One of the key benefits highlighted in the study is that reducing air pollution will directly improve public health, including fewer cases of asthma, reduced hospital admissions for heart and respiratory problems, and other diseases linked to pollution.
Furthermore, the transition to net zero could encourage increased physical activity among the population, as more people turn to walking, cycling, and e-biking for daily transport.
This would not only improve fitness levels but also contribute to longer and healthier lives.
By 2060, the economic value of fewer deaths due to net zero policies in the UK is expected to amount to between £26 billion and £31 billion.
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In addition, new research allowed the study to estimate the economic benefits of fewer cases of illness, adding an additional £20 billion to the total savings.
These numbers illustrate that the health benefits of transitioning to net zero are not only substantial but also economically advantageous, providing financial incentives for countries to pursue cleaner energy and more sustainable practices.
Immediate health benefits from reducing air pollution would include fewer children suffering from asthma and other respiratory diseases, as well as fewer hospital admissions for breathing problems and heart conditions.
Evidence from clean air zones in cities like Bradford in the UK and across Europe supports these predictions, showing marked improvements in health outcomes when air quality is improved.
However, certain health improvements, such as a reduction in strokes and heart attacks, may take around five years to emerge as air pollution levels gradually decrease.
Lung cancer, a disease strongly associated with long-term exposure to air pollution, would see a reduction in cases over a period of 6 to 20 years.
Additionally, the long-term health gains from net zero policies would extend well beyond 2060. Children born in the 2050s, as an example, would experience fewer air pollution-related health issues as they grow up.
Furthermore, while it is more difficult to predict, there is potential for even greater long-term health benefits, such as a reduction in cases of dementia.
These potential gains highlight the importance of acting now to ensure the health and well-being of future generations.
Professor Christian Brand, another co-author of the study, emphasized the need for a broader approach to decarbonizing transport.
While many policies focus on reducing emissions from commuting, he cautioned that this approach could leave valuable opportunities on the table.
Specifically, policies that support all forms of mobility—especially short, everyday trips that reduce car dependency—are essential to fully maximizing the health and environmental benefits of the net zero transition.
These measures would not only help lower emissions but also encourage more people to adopt healthier modes of transport.
To truly maximize these health benefits, the study found that public participation is essential. Engaging a broad range of people, particularly women and older individuals, is crucial to ensuring that net zero policies lead to widespread health improvements.
People who incorporate walking or cycling into their daily routines could expect, on average, to live five and a half months longer, as well as experience better overall health.
This would not only improve life expectancy but also enhance quality of life for those who make these changes.
The transition to net zero is not just an environmental necessity but a public health imperative.
By reducing fossil fuel use, improving air quality, and encouraging healthier lifestyles, countries can significantly improve the health of their populations while also saving substantial amounts in healthcare costs.
As the research demonstrates, the economic, environmental, and public health benefits of net zero far outweigh the costs, making it a crucial step toward a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
