Switching to electric vehicles could prevent millions of childhood illnesses by 2050

    The ecological transition will not only lead to a healthier planet, but also a more just society, with minority and low-income communities the most benefiting from this change (REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage)
The ecological transition will not only lead to a healthier planet, but also a more just society, with minority and low-income communities the most benefiting from this change (REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage)

The transition to electric vehicles and the use of renewable energy is expected to bring significant changes to the quality of life and health of the global population, especially for the youngest, according to a new report. American Lung Associationwhich reveals the potential benefits this shift could bring.

According to research, adopt zero emission vehicles Ensuring the grid relies entirely on clean, renewable energy could prevent hundreds of premature infant deaths and significantly reduce cases childhood asthma and other respiratory symptoms in children.

The document estimates that taking these measures could result in 2.79 million hacking attacks by 2050. asthma Pediatric cases decrease, 147,000 fewer cases in children Acute bronchitis in children.

this air pollutionExacerbated by the use of combustion vehicles and fossil energy generation, this is one of the greatest risks to global public health.

Children are particularly at risk due to their growing bodies and greater exposure to outside air, and are more likely to develop respiratory and cardiovascular problems, as well as complications with cognitive development.

The report emphasizes that vehicle traffic It is one of the major sources of carbon pollution, accounting for 28% of carbon emissions. Greenhouse gases inside USAfollowed by electricity production, accounting for 25%.

This makes the transition to electric car Decarbonizing the grid is key to fighting the pandemic air pollution and climate change.

However, using electric car The transition to clean energy will not only impact the environment but also social justice.

Minority and low-income communities, historically most vulnerable to pollution, will be among the biggest beneficiaries. This shift to cleaner, more sustainable modes of travel can alleviate the air quality inequalities faced by these people and promote equity and environmental justice.

EV adoption faces challenges, including need for stronger public policies (Reuters)
EV adoption faces challenges, including need for stronger public policies (Reuters)

this electric carAlthough they are not completely “zero emission” due to the pollution produced during production and battery charging, they are a much less polluting alternative than internal combustion engine cars.

he U.S. Department of Energy Calculate electric car They emit 1,700 kilograms of carbon equivalent per year, compared with 5,100 kilograms of carbon equivalent per year for gasoline-powered cars.

However, large-scale adoption of these technologies faces challenges, including the need for stronger public policy and financial incentives to motivate consumers and industry to make the green transition.

The American Lung Association’s findings are an urgent call to action, emphasizing the need to accelerate the path toward a clean, sustainable energy future to protect the health of future generations and the planet.

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