Health is a universal indicator of progress in the UN Sustainable Energy for All initiative. The most recent assessment suggests that 3.3 million deaths/year may be due to outdoor air pollution and 3.5 million deaths per year due to indoor smoke. Estimates of the air pollution health burden are far higher today than a decade ago, although better data and methods of analysis may also be a factor.
Much air pollution is due to inefficient, poorly used, and badly distributed energy technologies. Improving access to modern energy that emits less pollution, both in the home and the community, can benefit the health of millions of people today and contribute to long-term health by reducing climate change.
1. Monitoring reductions in air pollution-related diseases provides an important bottom-line measure of the social gains from a shift to more sustainable energy policies.
2. Monitoring progress in transition to low-emission energy technologies, including greater use of renewable energy and efficient energy distribution, also are important to health.
Some key health-relevant indicators of progress on sustainable energy can include measures for ...
1. Household access to modern, low-emissions heating/cooking technologies,
2. Energy access at community health facilities, particularly for reliable electricity,
3. Health burden from air pollution-related diseases and injuries,
4. Health equity impacts of energy policies, access of poor and vulnerable populations,
5. Clean electricity generation across the energy supply chain, in terms of reduced pollution,
6. Greater efficiencies and reliance on renewable energy sources.
Energy use is the primary driver of climate change. There are very substantial health co-benefits to be gained from measures to mitigate global warming.
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