Mayowa Adeniran
In a bid to combat climate change, The Global Health Professionals have called on the G7 nations to make an accelerated transition away from coal-fired electricity.
The group stated that coal fire is a major cause of air pollution which makes immediate and significant elimination from coal-fired power plants essential.
Stating the rapidly degenerating effect air-pollution has on health, the group, which is made up of 82 organizations from 30 countries explained that coal-fired power releases large volumes of health-damaging substances which include nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.
“Exposure to these pollutants significantly increases the risks of developing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, leading to hospital admissions and premature deaths. Air pollution is responsible for approximately 3.7 million premature deaths per year from heart disease, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute lower respiratory infections among children.”
As an alternative to coal fire, The Global Health Professionals charged the G7 nations to play a leading role and consider renewable energy, energy conservation, active transportation, sustainable agriculture and energy efficient buildings.
“Health professionals are trained to respond in a timely manner to fast moving and chronic diseases, and our actions save lives. In order to protect the health and lives of millions around the world, we urge G7 nations to take a leading role in the global transition away from coal.”
The group mentioned some countries that were already phasing out coal fire such as Ontario Canada which has completed a total phase-out of 7560 megawatts in 2014, New York state will phase out coal power by 2020 and urged other countries to follow their footsteps in good time.
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