The Health Benefits of a Nationwide Shift to Electric Vehicles and Clean Energy

As reported by The Verge…
Many of us know that electric vehicles (EVs) are better for the environment, but did you know they also have significant health benefits for humans? A new report by the American Lung Association highlights just how much cleaner air and a shift to renewable energy could improve public health. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the report’s findings and explore what it would take for the US to save tens of thousands of lives.

Health Benefits Of Electric Cars

The report found that a shift to EVs and clean energy would cut enough pollution to prevent up to 89,300 premature deaths through 2050. The reduction in air pollution alone would also prevent 2.2 million asthma attacks over the same period. And the health benefits add up to $978 billion and 10.7 million fewer lost workdays over the next few decades.

But what would it take to make this happen? The report says that the US needs to sell only emissions-free passenger vehicles by 2035, even if some gas-guzzlers stay on the road. This may sound like an impossible feat, but some automakers have already pledged to go all-electric, and others are investing heavily in EV technology.

In addition to switching to EVs, we also need to shift to clean energy sources. Transportation is currently the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US, but if we fully transition to renewable energy, we could reduce emissions by up to 80%. This means investing in solar, wind, and other clean energy sources.

Switching to EVs and clean energy sources would not only be good for public health, but also the economy. The report found that 30% of the health benefits would accrue to communities of color, who are disproportionately affected by air pollution, and the US would experience job growth in the EV and renewable energy sectors.

Shifting to electric vehicles and clean energy sources is not only good for the environment, but it could also save tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in health costs. The potential benefits are enormous, but it will require action from lawmakers, automakers, and utilities to make it a reality. By investing in renewable energy and transitioning to all-electric vehicles, we can create a healthier future for all.