Assessing health co-benefits of climate change mitigation in the Asia-Pacific region

Abstract

S09: Assessing health co-benefits of climate change mitigation in the Asia-Pacific region, Room 417, Floor 4, August 26, 2019, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Fossil fuel combustion by-products (PM2.5, NO2, PAH and CO2) are a significant threat to population health and well-being. Policies to reduce carbon emissions can reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change, with substantial health and economic benefits. However, the evidence on the co-benefits of climate mitigation is scarce in the Asia-Pacific region (APR) even though the largest amount of emissions worldwide come from this region. Climate change mitigation is likely to reduce air-pollution-related mortality. As an example, the evidence suggests that climate change contributes 14% of the overall increase in ozone mortality estimated for RCP8.5 in 2100 relative to 2000, and the effect on ozone mortality in 2100 is greater in East Asia than other regions. It is estimated that air pollution reduction through climate change mitigation under the 2 °C goal could reduce premature deaths in Asia by 0.79 million (95% CI: 0.75–1.8 million) by 2050. This co-benefit is equivalent to a life value savings of approximately $2.8 trillion (6% of the GDP), which is decidedly more than the climate mitigation cost ($840 billion, 2% of GDP). The health co-benefits of climate mitigation significantly outweigh its costs. The assessment of health benefits of climate mitigation will provide an important incentive for government policies and immediate action but little resources are available in low-income countries of APR. This presentation will explore effective strategies to address this issue.