Clean Energy, Clean Air: Why We All Breathe Easier With Renewables

One of the biggest environmental issues we face today is also one of our biggest global health problems—air pollution. Dirty fossil fuels are destroying our planet and our health. Luckily, we already have the solution—clean, renewable energy.

Dirty energy causes dirty air 

When fossil fuels are burned, they emit dangerous pollutants into the air, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, mercury, and particulate matter (soot). These air pollutants contribute to the formation of smog, acid rain, and other harmful conditions. Burning fossil fuels also emits greenhouse gases such as CO2 into the air, which contribute to global warming, thus worsening smog and other conditions. These pollutants not only wreak havoc on the environment—they hurt our health as well.

Air pollution takes a toll our health

Air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels poses one of the biggest health risks on the planet today. Did you know that 9 out of 10 people across the world breathe polluted air? In the U.S. alone, more than 141 million Americans are exposed to unhealthy air every day. Air pollution can cause a number of health issues, such as lung and respiratory diseases. According to a recent study, air pollution from burning fossil fuels is responsible for 4.5 million premature deaths around the world each year—more than 12,000 deaths per day. 

It’s clear that fossil fuels are taking a toll on our health. Luckily, there’s a simple way we can stop it.

Clean energy means clean air—and a clean bill of health

The good news is that steps can be taken to protect our air and our health. Using clean, renewable energy is one of the most effective ways to reduce the threat of air pollution and safeguard our health.  

By switching from dirty fossil fuels to clean, pollution-free energy sources like wind and solar, we can decrease air pollution, improve air quality, improve the health of millions of people around the world, and save lives.

Shifting entirely from fossil fuels to renewable energy would have a dramatic and positive impact on our health—in fact, scientists believe it would prevent 3.6 million premature deaths every year!

Fortunately we are already making progress to phase out fossil fuels and clean up our air. In 2019, the U.S. had the largest decline in energy-related CO2 emissions by any country, largely thanks to a 15% reduction in the use of coal for power generation. 

Switch to 100% clean, renewable energy today and help protect our air, our health, and our planet for years to come!