COSMOS MAGAZINE
A review of research into the fossil fuel industry has led an interdisciplinary group of scientists to warn that the environment, future liveability and people’s health are at risk if urgent action is not taken to stop carbon emissions.
Mount Piper coal-fired power station. Credit: Getty Images Plus.
The review found that 90% of human-caused CO2 emissions come from fossil fuels. These are contributing to a warming climate, ocean acidification, extreme weather and ecological crises.
The US review also highlights that human health is also at direct risk from carbon emissions.
Credit: Chris LeBoutillier
The United States is the world’s largest oil and gas producer.
Credit: Zbynek Burival
After China, the country is also the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2), responsible for 4.8 billion tons in 2022 according to the Worldometer.
“Fossil fuel pollution impacts health at every stage of life, with elevated risks for conditions ranging from premature births to childhood leukemia and severe depression.”
Co-author David J.X. González, Assistant professor of environmental health sciences at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health.
Credit: Janko Ferlič
But the problem is not just a US issue.
On average, Australia is already 1.5°C warmer than in 1900. Scientists continue to warn that the rise of extreme heat waves, more severe weather events and unpredictable rainfall, are indicators of climatic shifts on the continent caused by global carbon emissions.
Credit: Matt Palmer
Emissions from fossil fuels exported from Australia are about twice as much as emissions from fossil fuels actually burned in the country itself.
Aerial view of Bulga Coal mine, located near Broke NSW Australia. Credit: mikulas1/Getty Images
“Oil, gas and coal will continue to condemn us to more deaths, wildlife extinctions and extreme weather disasters unless we make dirty fossil fuels a thing of the past.”
Lead author Shaye Wolf, climate science director at the US environmental advocacy group, Center for Biological Diversity.
“Clean, renewable energy is here, it’s affordable, and it will save millions of lives and trillions of dollars once we make it the centrepiece of our economy.”
Credit: Raimond Klavins