The report Impacts of Pollution on Our Health and the Planet: The Case of Coal Power Plants focuses on the health and economic impacts of air pollution from the production of electricity from fossil fuels, particularly coal. First, it briefly reviews the main sources of primary energy and electricity production worldwide. It then examines air pollution due to human activity, analysing the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for ensuring good air quality and safeguarding human health. Thirdly, it examines emissions from burning coal and its consequences, including the impacts on health. Finally, it puts forward the case for phasing out coal and a transition to a cleaner energy model.
This analysis concludes that:
- Transitioning towards a pollution-free planet requires commitments to a more sustainable energy model based on energy efficiency and a greater use of renewable sources of energy.
- At the same time, energy companies need to internalize the health and environment costs that result from the burning of fossil fuels and governments and electricity companies need to adopt commitments to gradually phase-out fossil fuels worldwide – particularly coal, which is the most harmful. This needs to be linked to commitments from governments to take urgent measures to reduce air pollution levels in accordance with WHO guidelines.
- The process towards a more sustainable and low-carbon energy model must be supported by just transition measures.