Report links climate and clean air action to millions of lives saved
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The United Nations Environment Programme and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition released a report finding that coordinated action on climate change and air pollution could prevent approximately 144 million premature deaths worldwide by 2050.
The report, Hidden Assets, detailed 25 established measures across sectors like energy, transport, and agriculture that would reduce harmful air pollutants and slow climate change. These measures include expanding renewable energy, strengthening vehicle emission standards, and adopting cleaner cooking fuels.
The assessment highlighted Africa as a region poised to gain substantially from these integrated efforts, noting that only 20% of the continent’s population currently has access to clean cooking fuels. Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Africa specifically could see economic benefits equivalent to 3.5 to 4% of their regional GDP by 2035 through implementing the proposed measures.
Beyond saving lives, the report stated that every US$1 invested in these 25 actions could generate approximately US$15 in economic benefits globally, reaching 2.8% of global GDP by 2035. Delaying implementation, however, would result in significant economic losses, potentially exceeding US$1.5 trillion in combined value for each year of delay. Nigeria was recognized for incorporating short-lived climate pollutants into its national climate plans and initiating programs focused on open burning and rural energy security.
