Climate change could 'lower air quality and increase premature deaths'

Low air quality resulting from a variety of forms of air pollution has long been linked to illnesses resulting in premature death. However, a new study is now suggesting that as climate change quickens, it will cause changes in air pollution that will increase the number of premature deaths by more than 100,000 across the world.

The findings are a result of a new study, published in the journal 'Climatic Change', which suggests that more is needed in order to reduce the effects of climate change and to reduce air pollution. The introduction of more emissions controls could help to reduce the number of premature deaths associated with health problems that are exacerbated by air pollution, according to Doctor Yuanyuan Fang, lead author of the study.

Using the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Atmospheric Model version three, the researchers were able to create simulations for present and future conditions. These simulations looked at how climate change can negatively impact air quality and what effect this has upon global health.

As well as the affect that climate change has upon the things like alterations in food production, flooding, storm intensity and droughts, it also directly affects air quality. Air pollutant concentrations can be affected by an increase in global temperature. Many of the particulates in the air, such as black carbon, dust particles and nitrate, have been linked to a number of health problems, including lung and heart diseases. The increase in concentrations of these particles can have a negative impact upon human health and result in more premature deaths.

The study found that the worst areas to be affected by lowered air quality as a result of climate change are highly populated areas in North America, East Asia and South Asia. The main result of worsening health conditions will be driven by an increase in fine particulate matter, which is able to penetrate deeper into the lungs.

Co-author of the study, Professor Denise Mauzerall, said: "This climate penalty indicates that stronger emission controls will be needed in the future simply to meet current air quality standards and to avoid higher health risks associated with the worsening of air quality as a result of climate change."