Renewable energy sources can provide cleaner electricity that helps slow down climate change and provide more affordable electricity to everyone. But did you know there are also significant health benefits of renewable energy?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 99% of the global population breathes air daily that does not meet WHO air quality standards and threatens their health. Clean energy sources like wind and solar could help improve air quality and limit health risks for everyone worldwide.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions isn’t just good for the planet but also for human health. From better air quality to reduced risk of illness, there are a variety of ways that we can enjoy improved health thanks to renewable energy benefits.
But what are the benefits of renewable energy? We explore how renewable energy sources can improve public health through reduced pollution.
Lower Risk of Respiratory Illnesses
One of the biggest health-associated issues with the burning of fossil fuels is the release of harmful gases like nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases can contribute to respiratory illnesses like asthma and even exacerbate these problems, leading to hospitalization. By using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels, the amount of these gases released into the atmosphere is reduced, potentially helping to prevent respiratory issues and limiting the possibility of worsening the illnesses of people already suffering. You can even improve indoor air quality by retrofitting your home to improve efficiency and create a cleaner household environment.
Decreased Heart Attacks & Cardiovascular Issues
In addition to respiratory issues, burning fossil fuels like coal contributes to other health issues, such as increased risk of heart attack and cardiovascular problems. One of the major benefits of renewable resources is improved air quality and fewer environmental pollutants, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues in the population.
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Lower Health Care Costs
Health issues associated with fossil fuels also greatly strain the U.S. economy. In 2011, Dr. Paul Epstein, the Associate Director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School, published a report in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences that places the estimate for the health impacts of fossil fuels between $345.3 billion and $543.3 billion. Transitioning from burning fossil fuels to using renewable energy sources could save the country billions of dollars and contribute to improved public health. Along with major economic benefits, renewable energy also has individual financial boosts through incentives like solar tax credits and rebates.
Cleaner Air & Better Air Quality
The better the air quality in our environment, the healthier we are. Poor air quality contributes to respiratory issues, cardiovascular illnesses, neurological problems, cancer, and even reduced life expectancy. One of the many clean energy benefits is better air quality, which reduces the risk of illnesses.
Less Pollution in Water Supply
Fossil fuels not only pollute the air but also use and pollute a significant amount of the water supply, limiting the resources available for drinking water and critical industries like agriculture. However, one of the benefits of wind energy and other renewable sources like solar is that they need almost no water to operate, which could help reduce water scarcity issues and improve the quality of the water supply.
Improved Quality of Life
While reducing the use of fossil fuels won’t eliminate preexisting health conditions, it can lead to a better quality of life for those suffering from asthma and other respiratory issues. The pros of renewable resources also include improved life quality and longevity by reducing the incidences of many diseases by creating a cleaner environment and atmosphere.
Reduced Risk & Incidences of Cancer
Fewer pollutants in the air and water mean less exposure to harmful gases and fine particulates that can lead to serious and even terminal diseases like cancer. People living in lower pollution areas enjoy a reduced risk of contracting these illnesses, one of the top health benefits of renewable energy.
Longer, Healthier Lives
In addition to boosting mental and emotional health, renewable energy sources can also help individuals live longer, healthier lives. Such sources may help reduce the risk of physical health issues from air and water pollution, limit fuel scarcity, and reduce financial strain on more vulnerable populations.
Boost Mental & Emotional Health
Nonrenewable energy sources are limited and can lead to what’s known as “fuel scarcity.” When resources are limited, it causes financial strain and stress, which can lead to mental and emotional health issues and physical ones. Furthermore, poor air quality that is associated with nonrenewable sources, coal in particular, may contribute to not only poorer physical health but also mental and emotional health. Renewable energy sources may help alleviate some of these issues. For example, one of the major health benefits of solar energy and other renewable sources is improved mental and emotional stability for everyone, in addition to creating a cleaner, healthier environment. Learn about solar energy and how it compares to fossil fuels.
Limit Neurological Damage
Burning fossil fuels like coal contributes to air and water pollution, which in turn are linked with a wide variety of serious health issues, including neurological damage. Fortunately, clean energy technologies like solar and wind power don’t produce the air and water pollution that nonrenewable energy sources do, helping to reduce the risk of neurological issues and improving overall public health. Explore additional renewable energy benefits beyond their contributions to human health.
Reduced Premature Deaths
Because of the many health issues associated with burning fossil fuels, including heart and respiratory problems, greenhouse gases can contribute to a rise in premature deaths, preventing individuals from living longer, healthier lives. Renewable energy sources can help keep our air and water cleaner, improving the longevity of life for many, including those in our most vulnerable communities.
Create a Cleaner Texas with Gexa Energy
The electricity plans provided by Gexa Energy are powered by renewable sources. Explore our solar electricity plans and other electricity solutions to find the right plan offering for your home and family and support the growing industry of renewable energy in Texas.
