Human Health and Economic Costs of Air Pollution in Utah: An Expert Assessment

Abstract

Air pollution causes more damage to health and economy than previously understood, contributing to approximately one in six deaths globally. However, pollution reduction policies remain controversial even when proven effective and cost negative, partially because of misunderstanding and growing mistrust in science. We used an expert assessment to bridge these research–policy divides in the State of Utah, USA, combining quantitative estimates from 23 local researchers and specialists on the human health and economic costs of air pollution. Experts estimated that air pollution in Utah causes 2480 to 8000 premature deaths annually (90% confidence interval) and decreases the median life expectancy by 1.1 to 3.6 years. Economic costs of air pollution in Utah totaled $0.75 to $3.3 billion annually, up to 1.7% of the state’s gross domestic product. Though these results were generally in line with available estimates from downscaled national studies, they were met with surprise in the state legislature, where there had been an almost complete absence of quantitative health and economic cost estimates. We discuss the legislative and personal responses of Utah policy makers to these results and present a framework for increasing the assimilation of data into decision making via regional expert assessment. In conclusion, combining quantitative assessments from local experts is a responsive and cost-effective tool to increase trust and information uptake during time-sensitive policy windows.

Megafire affects stream sediment flux and dissolved organic matter reactivity, but land use dominates nutrient dynamics in semiarid watersheds

“…Because wildfires in many regions occur upstream of municipal water sources, the risk of sediment blockage and DOM contamination of drinking water sources remains serious [ 34 , 179 , 180 ]. Likewise, the increasing extent and severity of wildfires in many regions threaten human life and infrastructure at the wildland-urban interface and human health at continental scales via air pollution [ 24 , 181 – 185 ].…”

We Must Stop Fossil Fuel Emissions to Protect Permafrost Ecosystems

“…The first two approaches are feasible, cost-effective, and come with a wide array of co-benefits (Foley et al, 2011;Breyer et al, 2021;Chapin et al, 2022). For example, eliminating fossil fuel burning could prevent 10.2 million premature deaths each year and add US$10 trillion annually in economic benefits from improved air quality (Errigo et al, 2020;Shindell et al, 2021;Vohra et al, 2021;Abbott B., 2022). Likewise, collaboratively expanding conservation of intact ecosystems enhances biosphere integrity and can restore rights of Indigenous and immigrant peoples of the permafrost domain (Steffen et al, 2018;Watson et al, 2018;Díaz et al, 2019;Bergstrom et al, 2021;Chapin et al, 2022).…”

Citizen science reveals unexpected solute patterns in semiarid river networks

“…On the community side, citizen science can create educational opportunities and foster trust between researchers, regulators, policymakers, and the public [74,[76][77][78]. On the scientific side, citizen science can provide opportunities and value for researchers, including enabling novel experimental designs (e.g., the collection of hundreds of samples synchronously) and informing research priorities by improving researchers' awareness of local needs and policy priorities [10,75,76,79].…”

“…Agriculture, wastewater, and fossil fuel use have exceeded global thresholds for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) [1][2][3][4], resulting in eutrophication of two-thirds of freshwater ecosystems globally [5][6][7][8]. Excess nutrients and other water pollutants such as heavy metals and waste from humans and livestock degrade aquatic ecosystem integrity, leading to trillions of USD in economic damages and the premature death of approximately 2 million people annually [9][10][11][12]. Mitigating these global water crises will require improved monitoring and management, which themselves depend on public understanding and financial support [13][14][15][16].…”