Study: Cutting Emissions Could Prevent 250,000 Air Pollution Deaths in Europe

A new study by researchers at the University of Leeds finds that up to 250,000 deaths annually from poor air quality in central and western Europe could be avoided by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions are drastically reduced. The research highlights that strong climate change mitigation, specifically reducing emissions from sectors like housing, industry, transport, and agriculture, would significantly improve air quality and health outcomes. Air pollution, mainly from fine particulate matter and surface-level ozone, remains a leading environmental risk factor for premature death globally, impacting nearly every organ in the body and contributing to diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and pneumonia. The study also emphasizes that robust action to cut emissions would help reduce health inequities, as more deprived populations currently bear a greater burden of air pollution-related mortality. Policymakers are urged to consider both the health benefits and the need to address persistent inequalities in exposure when designing climate strategies. Overall, the findings reinforce the urgent need for comprehensive emission reduction policies to save lives and promote environmental justice.