Thank you for your recent editorial (“Getting climate change and the economy right,” Dec. 6, The Herald). Pointing out that within the unfolding climate crisis, opportunity exists for building a “new green economy” is exactly right.
As a physician, I see the devastating health impacts caused by climate change. One example is air pollution, which is linked to serious illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis, heart attack, diabetes, and many cancers and neurologic diseases. It is responsible for over 1,000 premature deaths each year in Washington state. The economic impact of these health effects costs us hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
Addressing issues related to climate change will provide immediate health benefits and also save money by reducing health care costs. In Washington state the primary source of air pollution comes from burning fossil fuels used for transportation.
One aspect of building a “green economy” would be to electrify our transportation system by incentivizing use of electric vehicles, installing widespread charging stations, and improving and expanding an electric public transportation system. We should make active transportation more appealing by improving walkability within our cities and by making our streets more bicycle friendly. These measures will have multiple immediate co-benefits. Our streets and freeways will be less crowded, the air we breath will be cleaner, our health will improve, and the costs for health care will be reduced.
If you would like to learn more about the health benefits of addressing climate change please see “The Health Benefits of Climate Change Mitigation in Washington State” by Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility at www.wpsr.org/co-benefits.
Dr. Jonathan Witte
Everett
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