Health benefits of Paris climate goals could save millions of lives by 2040

Feb 22, 2021

Indoor and outdoor air pollution are jointly responsible for seven million deaths globally each year, according to WHO. Image: Pixabay/Free-Photos

Dr Alice McGushin

Medical doctor and programme manager, The Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change

Research fellow in energy, climate and health and mitigation and mitigation and health co-benefits research fellow, University College London Energy Institute (first position) and The Lancet Countdown (second position)

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a graph showing the deaths avoided per 100,000 due to air pollution in 2040 for the SPS and HPS compared with current pathways, for nine countries and six sectors.

A significant number of deaths can be avoided worldwide if we reduce air pollution Image: Carbon Brief/Hamilton, et al. (2021).

a graph showing deaths avoided per 100,000 due to dietary risk factors in 2040 for the SPS and HPS compared with current pathways, for nine countries and nine dietary changes

Research shows the link between diet and mortality rate, with weight and red meat consumption as the highest determining factors. Image: Carbon Brief/Hamilton, et al. (2021).

a graph showing the deaths avoided per 100,000 due to physical inactivity in 2040 for the SPS (pink bars) and HPS (purple), compared with current pathways, for nine countries.

Research shows that lower levels of activity can increase death rates. Image: Carbon Brief/Hamilton, et al. (2021).

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