Taking Steps to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Will Diminish the Level of Pollutants that Cause Lung Damage

It’s unclear why we needed a collaborative effort in 2014 from Harvard and Syracuse Universities to tell us what should have been obvious for decades.  But now, I suppose, it’s that much closer to being “official” (in whatever sense of that jaded term still has any meaning): Figuring out a way to drive down the use of fossil fuels (particularly coal) that are causing climate change will simultaneously bring us numerous side benefits in terms of human health and well-being.  This is based on the fact that burning fossil fuels emits both CO2 and oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, as well as heavy metals and radioactive isotopes that are released into our atmosphere – all day, every day.

I only wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve said:  I know there are people who don’t believe in climate change, including the 3% of the climate scientists who have made this subject their life’s work.  But those who don’t believe in lung cancer are hanging onto an even flimsier position.