Tracking the cost of air pollution

Abstract

Air pollution from fossil fuels has significant health and economic consequences. This report uses real-time air quality data to estimate the impact of air pollution on human health and the economy. The report reveals that PM2.5 air pollution was responsible for the loss of an estimated 160,000 lives in the world’s five most populous cities and a combined economic cost of US$85 billion in 2020. The authors argue that investing in clean air programs can yield significant returns, and that governments should prioritize clean energy and transportation options in order to protect both human health and the economy. – AI-generated abstract.