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Producing and burning fossil fuels creates air pollution that harms our health and generates toxic emissions that drive climate change.
From the electricity that lights our homes to the cars we drive to work, modern life was built on fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. But burning them creates climate change and releases pollutants that lead to early death, heart attacks, respiratory disorders, stroke, asthma, and absenteeism at school and work. It has also been linked to autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.
Research from Harvard University, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, the University of Leicester and University College London, found that more than 8 million people died in 2018 from fossil fuel pollution, significantly higher than previous research suggested—meaning that air pollution from burning fossil fuels like coal and diesel was responsible for about 1 in 5 deaths worldwide.
Each year, our team contributes to the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change to track the impacts of climate change on human health across 44 indicators around the world. Our research analyzes the health impacts of burning fossil fuels and shows how much we have to gain by ending our reliance on them. Recent research from our Center:
- Identified at least 21 different hazardous air pollutants, as defined by the U.S. EPA, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and hexane, in consumer-grade natural gas supplied to Massachusetts.
- Created a new inventory of air pollution impacts from stationary sources over the past decade that shows the negative impacts of burning natural gas and biomass have surpassed coal generation in many states, which is a trend that may continue.
- Conducted the first study to determine that Pennsylvania’s statewide setback regulations for fracking do not prevent setback incidents, and identified the potential risks and exposures for people living near fracking or underground natural gas wells.
- Showed that more people live closer to underground gas storage wells than previously thought. An estimated 20,000 homes and 53,000 people in predominantly suburban areas of PA, OH, WV, MI, NY, and CA live within a city block of active underground natural gas storage wells.
- Developed the science-based case for why it is “appropriate and necessary” for EPA to regulate mercury emissions from the power sector; and why the health benefits of regulation and remaining risks from mercury pollution in the U.S. should be assessed.
Estimating Public Health Impacts from Individual Power Plants
A tool to help policy-makers design policies and interventions.
Health Co-Benefits of Carbon Standards for Existing Power Plants
Analyzing the clean air and health benefits of power plant carbon standards in the U.S.
Costs and Health Co-Benefits for a U.S. Power Plant Carbon Standard
Reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants can have important “co-benefits” for public health by reducing emissions of air pollutants.
New Harvard study shows where to install renewable energy in the U.S. to achieve the greatest climate and health benefits
Models offer guidance for state and national policymakers designing climate action plans.
It’s been a rough summer for environmental regs, but Trump’s biggest cut is still to come
Our senior adviser Kathleen Lambert weighs in on the Affordable Clean Energy rule's impacts, based on her research.
Combating EPA rollbacks — Health care’s response to a retreat on climate
Our Director Gina McCarthy and Co-director Dr. Aaron Bernstein on the many things the healthcare sector can do to fight the climate crisis.
The 6 things you most need to know about Trump’s new climate plan
Our study lent insight into the counter-productivity of the EPA's Affordable Clean Energy plan.
ACE rule excluded key details, researchers say
Our Senior Adviser, Kathy Fallon Lambert, discusses the negative effects of EPA's new Affordable Clean Energy Rule.
U.S. EPA Administrator touts new energy plan despite agency analysis
Our Senior Adviser, Kathy Fallon Lambert, discusses how the EPA's new Affordable Clean Energy Rule is counterproductive.
Problematic Natural Gas Storage Well Design Said Widely Used in U.S.
Many underground natural gas storage wells are potentially dangerous and need more regulation, says our Research Associate Drew Michanowicz.
Urban Air Pollution Solutions
Our research associate, Jonathan Buonocore, collaborated with the USAID to develop a guide on air pollution solutions.
Gina McCarthy on the roll back of the Clean Power Plan
Gina McCarthy speaks with Rick Ungar about the Trump administration's perseverance to promote the coal industry's prevalence in the United States and to halt the country's progress towards sustainable energy.
Trump Admin Rolls Back Obama Era Clean Air Rules
Gina McCarthy contributes to discussion on the new Affordable Clean Energy rule and its disregard for scientific proof of climate change.
