Measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have the additional benefit of reducing air pollutants. However, these benefits are rarely included in the design and evaluation of climate change policies. A new study suggests that considering these benefits in climate change policy could reduce the cost of such policies, and engage stakeholders who are otherwise unmotivated to tackle climate change.

Policies based on cost-benefit analysis that tackle climate change, air pollution and energy security together produce far greater benefits than policies designed to address these issues separately, according to a new study. For example, current oil reserves would last until much longer than currently predicted and the number of premature deaths due to air pollution would be reduced by some 3 million per year globally, if all three policy areas were combined.

A recent assessment suggests that reducing black carbon emissions, produced by burning carbon-based materials, would prevent millions of premature deaths in developing countries as well as helping meet climate change mitigation targets.

Relying less on cars and switching to walking and cycling improves both our health and the environment. A recent study quantifies these benefits in financial terms to inform active transport projects and policies. It demonstrates how benefits from increased physical activity outweigh any costs of increased exposure to air pollution.

Measures to control methane and black carbon (soot) emissions could improve air quality and public health, in addition to slowing the rate of climate change, according to recent research. By 2030, the reduced pollution could prevent between 700,000 and 4.7 million premature deaths each year, with 80% of the benefits occurring in Asia.

A recent global study has estimated that, each year, 1.5 million people die early from cardiopulmonary diseases and 0.1 million people die early from lung cancer caused by exposure to PM2.5 pollution. A further 0.4 million people are estimated to die early from respiratory diseases caused by exposure to surface ozone (O3) pollution. Although short-lived air pollutants have the largest influence on air quality and premature deaths, controlling methane emissions as well would improve air quality and reduce the number of people dying prematurely each year, the study suggests.

A recent study suggests that mercury deposited from the atmosphere is the main source of mercury pollution in the open oceans. Curbing mercury emissions will slowly lead to a decrease in contaminated fish, as eaten by humans, within a few years to decades after the cuts have been made, the researchers suggest.

Cutting mercury pollution could save Europe €8-9 billion per year by protecting children’s brain development, suggests a recent study. A third of babies in Europe are estimated to be exposed to unsafe levels of mercury before they are born, when in the womb, which may reduce their IQ and, in turn, restrict their educational and working achievements over their lifetime. This has long-term implications for society and the economy.

Globally co-ordinated climate change policy to limit warming to 2°C could provide additional health, ecological and economic benefits. Using established methods, researchers estimated that the implementation of climate policy would also reduce global expenditures on air pollution control in 2050 by €250 billion.

EU air pollution legislation to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO₂) has effectively reduced rates of premature deaths, new research suggests. Moreover, additional reductions would lead to even further public health benefits, the researchers say.

Reductions in emissions of fine particle air pollution can prevent premature deaths, not just locally, but also in countries thousands of kilometres away, new research illustrates. The transcontinental study examines the effects of reducing air pollution emitted from Europe, North America, South and East Asia by 20% and shows that, for example, reductions in the EU would mean 3700 fewer premature deaths in the other three regions every year.

Pollutants emitted by human activities have caused declines in air quality and drastic changes to climate. Despite being inextricably linked, these two major environmental issues tend to be viewed separately by policy. However, in certain instances, considering these issues together could lead to strategies that benefit both, according to a newly published review.

Nitrogen deposited from the atmosphere is in decline in Western Europe due to targeted policies on emissions, with emissions 25% lower than their peak in 1990. Policy measures to lower nitrogen air pollution — which damages plant diversity, buildings and human health — have made an impact and are forecast to continue to lower nitrogen levels in the future, offering an opportunity to evaluate their impact. This study uses the UK as a case study to answer the policy question: what is the economic impact on biodiversity of forecast reductions in nitrogen pollution?

Ahead of the 2016 Paris Agreement on climate change, various climate and energy policy actions were proposed to target pledged 'nationally determined contributions' (NDCs). Now, researchers have quantified the global impact of implementing these actions on air quality, and determined that they have the potential to substantially reduce air pollution worldwide, with significant co-benefits for human health and agriculture — including the prevention of up to 99 000 premature deaths annually by 2030. These co-benefits could offset the global costs of climate policy; this study thus calls for an integrated policy perspective that aims to maximise the benefits of NDCs for climate and health.

Synthetic biology has the potential to address global issues, such as clean energy and affordable vaccines, but it also carries potential risks. Policy makers are currently faced with the challenge of regulating this emerging science and a new US report has made recommendations for minimising risks without restricting progress based on five ethical principles.

People are more willing to buy genetically modified (GM) foods than they may admit to, according to a new study. The study found a substantial difference between the number of people who said they would buy GM foods when surveyed and the number who actually bought GM labelled products at fruit stalls.

Eco-publisher giving away copies of Riki Ott's book on the Exxon Valdez spill, <i>Not One Drop</i>, in exchange for donations to help in the Gulf coast relief e

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is reportedly being swamped with gifts from all around the world — including companies looking to score the benefit

How healthy are all those cranberries you’ll be eating during the holiday season? You’ll like the answer.

From soothing sore throats and upset stomachs to fighting hiccups and diabetes, the health benefits of apple cider vinegar go beyond fold remedies.

From fighting dandruff and drunkenness to treating coughs and cuts, honey is a powerhouse of potential health benefits.

The herb known as the 'divine root' comes in several forms that can be used to speed recovery and improve concentration, among other things.

From hindering kidney stones and taming inflammation to fighting disease, lemons are brimming with potential.

Research is finding that probiotics might be useful in treating high blood pressure, anxiety, eczema and other maladies.

We know that spending time in nature is good for us, but researchers have now quantified the benefits.

Ginger root has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years, here are just some health benefits of ginger.

From boosting immunity to helping your mood, pumpkin seeds offer many potential perks.

New research suggests that a gram of cinnamon a day can help reduce blood sugar and may boost metabolism.

Actor says $1 from every ticket sold will go towards relief efforts in devastated Japan.

Outside of the kitchen, garlic has many potential health, beauty and agricultural benefits.

A study in the Lancet looked at over-60 walkers, and those who worked on a busy London street didn't fare as well as the park walkers.

From your heart to your head, here's why you should lace up your sneakers and walk.

Sure herbs and spices taste wonderful, but do you know what benefits they provide to your body?

Sustainability played a key role at this year's CES with both the CEA and Bosch donating materials and funds to Habitat for Humanity green building efforts.

Vitamin D is the only vitamin humans can acquire without food. Researchers are learning more about its vital benefits.

In Arkansas, attention to thousands of miles of unpaved roads has helped clean up streams, ease the threat to endangered species and benefited everyone.

Cholesterol-lowing drugs called statins have been shown to increase the risk of diabetes in some people, but this potential harm is outweighed by the benefits o

Sweet and flavorful, Rooibos is a caffeine-free tea with lots of health benefits. Here are just a few according to recent studies.

Turns out a Granny Smith apple a day may help you drop pounds as well as fight disease, according to research.

A new retrospective study finds that 1980s-era cleanup of Boston Harbor was well worth it from a return on investment standpoint.

Some trees embark on an epic — and important — journey after they die.

Scientists discover how entire ecosystems benefit from wolves keeping herbivores on edge.

Morieka Johnson says she gets more bang for her buck from high-quality food. (Expensive shoes are another matter.)

Austin's 'Chevy Volt Village' makes a handy political target, but in fact clean energy — and especially wind power — has been very, very good for Texas' ec

From taming inflammation to battling PMS blues, it's time to celebrate these salubrious wonder roots.

A study finds that a tomato's cancer-fighting properties are reduced when consumed with iron-rich food.

From managing stress to fighting cancer, tea has many benefits to help someone live a healthier life.

There is well-documented research that shows that napping can be beneficial well into adulthood.

Soils rich in organic matter grow tasty vegetables and fruits, colorful flowers and strong trees and shrubs.

The health benefits of green tea continue to be discovered. Unlike other teas, green tea leaves are steamed, leaving a higher concentration of antioxidants.