Net Zero by 2050 in England and Wales: Extra 2 Million Years of Life
The UK Government recently announced its commitment to reach net zero emissions in England and Wales by 2050 in an effort to reduce the risks of climate change. The announcement was met with much praise and excitement, as this goal will greatly benefit future generations. This newly announced plan could provide an estimated ‘extra 2 million years of life’ to the citizens of England and Wales, based on research factors related to heat and cold, air pollution, and shortened lives.
Changed Lives Through Healthier Air
The more effective regulation of air pollution caused by fossil fuels, a major component of the net zero campaign, will have a huge impact on the health of citizens of England and Wales. It is estimated that reducing air pollution from transport, power plants, and other sources could create a potential 2 million years of life saved in the two countries over a period of fifty years. In terms of pollution-caused illnesses, it is estimated that up to 6.7 million cases of congestion and 2 million cases of bronchitis in children under five will be avoided.
Heat Waves and Cold Snaps Shorten Lives
The net zero campaign will also have a direct impact on the length of life by reducing the danger posed by heat waves and cold snaps. A two-year heat wave in England in 1975/76 led to over 30,000 additional deaths of people over age 75, while a six-week cold snap in 2009 contributed to 10,000 extra deaths. By meeting the net zero goals, these extreme weather events would be drastically reduced, leading to far more comfortable temperatures year-round.
Benefits for Future Generations
The long-term effects of net zero by 2050 include improved air quality, longer life expectancy, and a healthier environment. It is estimated that this commitment by the UK Government could lead to over two million years of additional life saved in the next fifty years. The benefits of net zero will be felt by future generations, and they will be the beneficiaries of a much healthier planet.
Key Benefits of Net Zero by 2050
- Improved air quality which will reduce the risks of pollution-related illnesses and death.
- Longer life expectancy due to the reduced danger posed by extreme weather events.
- Healthier environment with cleaner air, water, and land.
- The potential of 2 million years of life saved.
The UK is taking further steps to reduce their emissions to reach net zero by 2050. A new report from King’s College has concluded that reaching this goal could prolong UK citizens’ life spans by an incredible two million years.
The research from King’s showed potential yearly savings of nearly 10,000 deaths from air pollution and about 8,000 deaths from greenhouse gas emissions if the Government succeeds in its net zero ambition. The report concluded that reaching the goal would add an average of two extra years of life to current life expectancy in England and Wales.
Implementation of the necessary policy could then potentially add an equivalent of a further two million years of life in total to the total population. While a drastic improvement in air quality and public health disproportionately benefits those most vulnerable to air pollution, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, we all stand to benefit as a nation in this pursuit.
The Government’s net zero ambitions are a critical stage of the UK’s drive to become a cleaner and healthier nation. In order to reach the timeline set, UK citizens must help reduce pollution from all sources, from transport to waste management. Through commitment from citizens and the Government, the UK stands to make a remarkable improvement in environmental and public health by 2050.
