Electric vehicles are frequently touted as a crucial tool for reducing emissions and combating climate change. However, research on the twin advantages of lower air pollution and better health has mostly been speculative.
EV adoption contributes to the mitigation of climate change.
Keck School of Medicine of USC researchers have started documenting the actual impact of EV adoption in a maiden study using real-world data to relate EVs, health, and air pollution. The researchers examined a “natural experiment” taking place in California as citizens there quickly switched to EVs, or light-duty low-emission vehicles, using publicly accessible datasets (ZEVs).
Researchers compared stats on total ZEV registration, asthma-related ER visits, and pollution levels across California between 2013 and 2019. With increasing ZEV adoption, there was a drop in ER visits and local air pollution.
Lead study author Erika Garcia said that when considering the actions related to climate change, the focus is usually at the global level. However, the idea that changes being made locally can improve community health could be a powerful message for policymakers and the general public.
Also, researchers established that although total ZEVs increased with time, adoption was sluggish in low-resource zip codes in what is called an “adoption gap.” They indicate that this is an opportunity to restore environmental justice in disproportionately affected areas.
Senior study author Sandrah Eckel said that the impact of climate change on health is challenging to discuss because people feel it is scary. She said that they are delighted to about the changing conversation to climate change alleviation and adoption of ZEVs, which are important in the goal.
Worst pollution in underprivileged communities
According to earlier studies, underprivileged populations, such as low-income neighborhoods, typically experience worse air pollution and related respiratory issues than more affluent places. They may gain significantly if ZEVs take the place of gas-powered vehicles in those areas.
Although climate change poses a major risk to the health of people, Eckel added that addressing it presents a major healthcare opportunity. The research can show the effectiveness of this mitigation strategy, including perhaps lower costs and consumption of healthcare services.
