Climate change hits the headlines almost daily these days. We’re told about the negative effect fossil fuels have on the environment, that greenhouse gas emissions are on the rise and to watch our carbon footprint. We tend to think about climate change as purely an environmental problem, but what’s concerning our medical experts are the health impacts of our current energy consumption. Issues that not only risk affecting us and our loved ones, but also come at a huge expense.

In this blog, we explore the health risks associated with our current energy consumption and how solar electricity can create a positive impact on both our health and the environment.

Health risks driven by climate change

In Australia it is estimated that the adverse health impacts from pollutants produced from coal fired electricity generation cost the country $2.6 billion annually^. Production and combustion of petroleum and diesel for transport is a huge source of air pollution which can leads to respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. In fact, it is estimated that air pollution results in 3,000 premature deaths each year and costs the nation up to $24.3 billion in health expenses every year^.

It’s not just air pollution that is affecting our health. Heatwaves resulting from climate change lead to an increase in heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. They drive up hospital admissions – particularly amongst the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.

Climate change, if left unmitigated, is expected to result in a further 1.4 billion instances of people being exposed to drought per year which brings with it concerns about the availability of food and water. Extreme weather events are also risking agricultural production and cause destruction to homes and natural ecosystems – all issues that ultimately impact our general wellbeing.

Make the switch to solar

By going solar, you can reduce the demand for fossil fuels, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and shrink your carbon footprint. Just one home installing a solar energy system can have a measurable impact on the environment. Not only that, solar energy can save you money on your electricity bills, so you can focus on the more important things. It’s a win, win…win!

Here’s a few other ways solar power can support both the environment and our health:

• Solar energy results in very few air pollutants. Adopting solar power would significantly reduce nitrous oxides, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter emissions, all of which can lead to health implications.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the demand for fossil fuels could help to reduce negative climate changes, meaning lower risk of natural disaster, drought, flooding and agricultural issues.
• Solar energy could lead to fewer cases of chronic bronchitis, respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
• The best part – solar energy is readily abundant (thank you sun) and free! In fact, if we could capture all the sun’s energy shining on the earth for just one hour, we could power the entire world for one year#!

Take the first step towards a happier, healthier, more sustainable future and join the solar power movement. Call our friendly team at Green Energy Technologies and make the switch today.

Sources:

*https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2019-07-06/health-impacts-of-climate-change/11282926

^https://www.caha.org.au/the_health_implications_of_energy_choices_in_australia_vhaz5b8qjcnx8exq4y8hca

#https://news.energysage.com/health-environmental-benefits-of-solar-energy/