Equitable Climate Action Could Save Millions from Air Pollution

A recent study suggests that adhering to climate strategies that restrict global warming to 2 degrees Celsius could prevent over 13.5 million deaths from air pollution by 2050. The distribution of health benefits varies depending on the equitable distribution of climate mitigation efforts among countries.

A new study highlights the potential to avoid more than 13.5 million premature deaths due to air pollution by 2050 if climate actions successfully limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. This predominantly benefits low and middle-income countries (LMICs), according to research published in The Lancet Global Health journal.

The study examined different climate mitigation scenarios, revealing that under a least-cost strategy, where emissions are reduced where cheapest, LMICs bear a substantial share of efforts yet receive notable air quality benefits. However, if climate mitigation shifts towards wealthier nations under an 'equity-based approach', LMICs might experience fewer benefits, resulting in fewer averted premature deaths.

Researchers stress the importance of justice-centred climate actions to maximize the reduction of air pollution in developing countries. This can be achieved by investing savings from lower climate mitigation costs into conventional air pollution controls, delivering fairness while significantly improving air quality in the developing world.

(With inputs from agencies.)