electric vehicles climate health pollution

Move to electric vehicles could save nearly 90,000 lives in US by 2050, study says

A new report from the American Lung Association that reveals that if gas-guzzling vehicles were replaced by zero-emissions vehicles like electric cars, trucks, and SUVs in the US by 2035, the nation could witness a significant reduction in premature deaths, reports Jen Christensen for CNN.


In a nutshell

The Driving to Clean Air: Health Benefits of Zero-Emission Cars and Electricity report states that by 2050, there could be 89,300 fewer premature deaths and 2.2 million fewer asthma attacks, resulting in 10.7 million fewer lost workdays. However, achieving these health benefits would also require a transition to clean noncombustion electricity sources such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and nuclear power.

Key quote

“This transition to zero-emission technologies is critical as a whole but especially critical in making sure that we’re targeting policies and investments and incentive programs so that all communities can take advantage of these health benefits and more healthier transportation choices,” report author William Barrett said.

Big picture

Transportation, identified as the leading source of air pollution and carbon emissions, poses a grave threat to public health, particularly impacting low-income communities and communities of color. The shift to zero-emission vehicles necessitates upfront investments, but the health benefits are expected to outweigh the costs. Efforts by the auto industry, the federal government, and Congress, including stricter emissions standards and incentives for electric vehicles, are crucial steps toward accelerating the transition.

Read the full story here.

A firetruck parked in front of a home destroyed by a tornado

Goodbye, FEMA. Hello, disaster consultants

Pushing more responsibility for disaster response onto the states will mean depending more on private contractors.
A farmer pointing towards his fields

Why some Illinois farmers are stuck raising crops that no longer thrive

Some farmers keep growing in flood- and drought-prone fields because subsidies soften the losses, while federal programs meant to help them change course have been underfunded and mired in bureaucracy. Under Trump, those programs may weaken further.
A view of an empty smoky street with street lights

Smoketember is rolling in. Here’s how to protect yourself

With wildfire smoke pushing air quality into the highest risk category, health experts warn there’s no safe level of exposure.

Large wildfire burning trees and brush at night

Weather that drove Iberian wildfires is 40 times more likely due to climate change, report says

The hot, dry and windy conditions this summer that fueled the worst wildfires in Spain for at least three decades are 40 times more likely to recur due to human-caused climate change, according to an analysis by World Weather Attribution.
a bunch of houses that have been destroyed by a tornado.

Inside Trump’s unorthodox climate attacks in courts nationwide

The administration is cranking up efforts to kill state laws and legal cases that would force fossil-fuel companies to pay for climate damage.
Yellow and white wind turbine towers waiting to be installed

Can offshore wind survive the Trump administration?

The Trump administration’s halt on the nearly complete Revolution Wind project could derail offshore wind development for decades, spooking investors and driving up energy costs for consumers.

A person installing solar panel equipment on a red tile roof

Global solar installations up 64% so far this year

Despite waning U.S. support for renewable energy, solar power is booming worldwide, with new capacity hitting 380 gigawatts in the first six months of 2025—driven largely by China’s massive expansion and exports.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.