LNG exports linked to deaths and rising health costs, report finds

A new report from Greenpeace and Sierra Club reveals that liquefied natural gas exports in the U.S. cause around 60 premature deaths and nearly $1 billion in annual health costs, with numbers expected to rise significantly if planned terminals are built.

Dharna Noor reports for The Guardian.

In short:

LNG export facilities currently contribute to 60 premature deaths and $957 million in health costs annually.
Planned expansions could increase these numbers to 149 deaths and $2.33 billion in costs.
Minority communities near these facilities are disproportionately affected by the pollution.

Key quote:

“We found those numbers stunning.”

— Andres Chang, senior research specialist at Greenpeace and study co-author

Why this matters:

Expanding LNG exports not only exacerbates climate change but also imposes serious health risks, particularly on marginalized communities. Regulatory actions could mitigate these harms, potentially saving lives and billions in health costs.

www.theguardian.com

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

LNG exports linked to deaths and rising health costs, report finds

Earth's worsening climate crisis demands immediate action

Wildlife populations drop sharply as habitat loss continues

Florida’s homelessness crackdown complicates hurricane recovery

Insurance costs squeeze commercial real estate as climate risks rise

Contamination from flooded industrial sites during major hurricanes is a growing concern

Midwest eyed as safer business spot amid rising climate risks

Western states could see significant carbon cuts with new energy transmission projects

Houston area has more than 100 unauthorized air pollution events already this year

An EHN analysis finds nearly half were related to flaring.

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.