Health co-benefits of China's carbon neutrality policies highlighted in new review

Researchers from the National Institute of Health Data Science at Peking University have conducted a comprehensive review of the health impacts of China's carbon mitigation strategies. Published in Health Data Science, this review emphasizes the significant health co-benefits of environmental policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in China, the world's largest carbon emitter. These benefits include reducing deaths and diseases related to air pollution, particularly from PM2.5 and ozone (O3), as well as mitigating climate-related health impacts.

China’s commitment to achieving carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 has the potential to avert hundreds of thousands of deaths annually due to reduced air pollution exposure. The study also highlights that limiting global warming to well below 2°C could drastically reduce heat-related health risks, especially in vulnerable populations.

Lead researcher Professor Luxia Zhang explains, “By implementing these climate policies, China could not only achieve its carbon neutrality goals but also significantly improve public health. This research shows that reducing air pollution through carbon mitigation can prevent diseases and save lives.”

The review underscores the importance of integrating health considerations into climate policy-making. Moving forward, the research team plans to explore the impact of China's carbon policies on diseases like chronic kidney disease, particularly in relation to compound effects of heat and air pollution. These studies will provide crucial insights for policymakers as they develop strategies to protect public health while tackling climate change.