by Damian Carrington, The Guardian
Highlights
New research from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health suggests that air pollution is linked to higher death rates for people that have contracted COVID-19 compared to those living in areas with cleaner air.
- Living in a polluted city in the past has an effect on death rates for COVID- 19: Exposure to small particulate matter 15 to 20 years before the pandemic has had an effect on current coronovirus death rates
- Abnormally high death rates due to COVID-19 in Northern Italy are likely due to the large amount of air pollution in that region
- Previous studies on the SARS outbreak, which was another coronavirus, also suggest that air pollution increased the risk of death when infected
- The study highlights the importance of enforcing air pollution regulations knowing that it has an effect on survival rates and that areas with high pollution must take extra precautions to avoid a higher death toll c
- Despite this evidence, the US EPA under the Trump Administration just suspended enforcement of environmental laws
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must re-examine the ways in which we move around. The Climate Center is committed to working with state and local lawmakers to put us on track for a Climate-Safe California, which will include clean energy and clean mobility.
Nina Turner
Energy Programs and Communications CoordinatorJanina is a graduate of the Energy Management and Design program at Sonoma State University with experience in non-profits that specialize in sustainability and volunteerism.
