Air quality and health implications of 1.5–2°C climate pathways under considerations of ageing population: A multi-model scenario analysis

Rafaj, P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1000-5617, Kiesewetter, G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9369-9812, Krey, V. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0307-3515, Schöpp, W. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5990-423X, Bertram, C., Drouet, L., Fricko, O. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6835-9883, Shinichiro, F., et al. (2021). Air quality and health implications of 1.5–2°C climate pathways under considerations of ageing population: A multi-model scenario analysis. Environmental Research Letters 16 (4) e045005. 10.1088/1748-9326/abdf0b.

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Project: Linking Climate and Development Policies - Leveraging International Networks and Knowledge Sharing (CD-LINKS, H2020 642147), Exploring National and Global Actions to reduce Greenhouse gas Emissions (ENGAGE, H2020 821471)

Abstract

Low-carbon pathways consistent with the 2°C and 1.5°C long-term climate goals defined in the Paris Agreement are likely to induce substantial co-benefits for air pollution and associated health impacts. In this analysis, using five global integrated assessment models, we quantify the emission reductions in key air pollutants resulting from the decarbonization of energy systems and the resulting changes in premature mortality attributed to the exposure to ambient concentrations of fine particulate matter. The emission reductions differ by sectors. Sulfur emissions are mainly reduced from power plants and industry, cuts in nitrogen oxides are dominated by the transport sector, and the largest abatement of primary fine particles is achieved in the residential sector. The analysis also shows that health benefits are the largest when policies addressing climate change mitigation and stringent air pollution controls are coordinated. We decompose the key factors that determine the extent of health co-benefits, focusing on Asia: changes in emissions, urbanization rates, population growth and ageing. Demographic processes, particularly due to ageing population, counteract in many regions the mortality reductions realized through lower emissions.

Item Type: Article
Research Programs: Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE)
Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) > Integrated Assessment and Climate Change (IACC)
Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) > Pollution Management (PM)
Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) > Sustainable Service Systems (S3)
Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) > Transformative Institutional and Social Solutions (TISS)
Depositing User: Luke Kirwan
Date Deposited: 22 Feb 2021 08:02
Last Modified: 14 Mar 2022 13:42
URI: https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/17043

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