The Health Impacts of Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuel Toward Cleaner Energy

While energy transitions have always taken place, shifts have historically been primarily from one type of fossil fuel to another (e.g., from coal to oil). Yet today we are experiencing transitions away from fossil fuel toward cleaner and sustainable energy sources. These transitions include shifts to renewable energy, electric vehicles, pedestrian pathways and more walkable cities, energy efficiency measures in the built environment, and increased public transportation. This restructuring of our energy system will bring impacts on public health (e.g., improved air quality from lower use of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles). Furthermore, the transition can lower emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), thereby helping slow climate change and minimize its anticipated impacts on public health. While more work is needed to understand the full implications of these energy transitions, including the implications for environmental justice in terms of who will share in the health benefits and potential detriments such as increased emissions from brake wear for electric vehicles, the existing literature indicates substantial benefits to public health. Moving away from fossil fuel may offer a rare win-win strategy for a healthier society with a cleaner environment and lower GHGs.