The Distribution of Air Quality Health Benefits from Meeting US 2030 Climate Goals

Dallas Burtraw, Jhih-Shyang Shih, Maya Domeshek, Seth Villanueva and Kathy Fallon Lambert
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Dallas Burtraw: Resources for the Future
Jhih-Shyang Shih: Resources for the Future
Maya Domeshek: Resources for the Future
Seth Villanueva: Resources for the Future

No 22-02, RFF Reports from Resources for the Future

Abstract: This analysis provides one of the first nationwide estimates of health benefits associated with meeting the United States’ Paris Agreement climate goal. The target, which was established by the Biden Administration in April 2021, aims for a 50-52 percent reduction in the United States’ economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions in 2030. A new report by scholars at Resources for the Future (RFF) finds that the health benefits associated with avoiding premature deaths are significant and accrue in every state in the nation.The authors examine avoided premature deaths in the context of “secondary” PM2.5, which is formed when several pollutants associated with the combustion of fossil fuels—sulfur dioxide (SO2 ), nitrous oxide (NOx ), and ammonia—combine in the atmosphere. The team analyzes the distribution of health benefits across states, counties, and demographic groups in a future that includes a binding cap on CO2 emissions, sector-specific regulations, and innovation policies in line with US climate goals.All regions of the United States would experience health benefits by reducing PM2.5, with the Midwest seeing the most benefits per capita. Benefits accrue broadly across income levels and racial and ethnic groups as well. These estimates are likely an underrepresentation of total health benefits because they exclude benefits related to averted non-lethal health problems, premature mortality associated with other pollutants, and environmental improvements.

Date: 2022-01-31
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