TL/DR –
So, it turns out if everyone swapped their gas guzzlers for electric wheels, we could be looking at health benefits worth up to $188 billion by 2050—talk about a charge-up for our lungs and wallets! The catch? We need to clean up the power grid, too, or our EV dreams will only get us halfway there. Basically, we need to ditch those old-school tailpipes ASAP because our future selves and planet deserve the VIP treatment, not just the bare minimum.
New research reveals that if electric vehicles (EVs) took over America’s highways, the air quality would significantly improve, offering major health perks.
A recent study from the University of Toronto has some eye-popping figures to share.
Computer simulations show that going all-in on EVs, paired with renewable energy, could bring health benefits valued between US$84 billion and 188 billion by 2050.
Even if the grid isn’t fully green, benefits still reach tens of billions.
Professor Marianne Hatzopoulou mentions, “It’s not just about cutting CO2 emissions. There are other air pollutants too.”
These pollutants disproportionately affect low-income and marginalized groups.
The research used life-cycle assessments to simulate the impact of EV adoption on air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and PM2.5.
“Modeling these pollutants is different from CO2,” said Professor Daniel Posen. They’re more localized, making location key.
The study looked at scenarios up to 2050, considering grid transition rates to renewable energy.
Professor Posen notes the massive health benefits of EV adoption rely on a greener grid.
This poses the question: focus on EV adoption or decarbonizing power generation?
Professor Hatzopoulou argues for immediate EV adoption, as vehicles sold today last decades.
By reducing harmful pollutants and shifting to cleaner energy, EVs offer benefits beyond the environment. Health and well-being can significantly improve.
Electric vehicles are a crucial part of fostering a healthier, more sustainable future.
The study is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Original Story at www.earth.com
