Health – Page 2 – Visualizing Energy

What makes a cooking fuel “clean?”

March 11, 2024

The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address poverty, health, education, inequality, economic growth, climate change, and environmental conservation. SDG 7 focuses on providing affordable, sustainable, and clean energy for all. The World Health Organization sets benchmarks for “clean” cooking, favoring efficient and low-emission technologies while discouraging the use of polluting fuels.

Health impacts from oil and gas production in the United States

June 13, 2023

Oil and gas activities contribute to significant air pollution, resulting in adverse health effects and economic costs. Emissions from drilling, production, and transportation release pollutants that are linked to asthma, heart attacks, and premature deaths, especially impacting vulnerable populations. Addressing these emissions is crucial for protecting public health, mitigating economic burdens, and implementing comprehensive policies to reduce air pollution from the oil and gas industry.

What do these charts say about the safety of nuclear reactors?

March 27, 2023

The safety of nuclear reactors is a subject of debate. While incidents like Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima have had impacts on human health and the environment, the overall risks of radiation exposure are considered small. Advancements in technology and regulations have significantly reduced the frequency of core damage incidents. Nuclear power is an important low-carbon energy source, but opinions differ on its safety compared to fossil fuels and renewables.

Where in Europe do people struggle to stay warm?

February 6, 2023

In Europe, energy insecurity affects 8% of the population, with some countries facing higher rates of thermal discomfort. Milder winters due to climate change have improved overall energy security, but about 35 million people still struggle to stay warm. Germany, Spain, Italy, and France have a significant number of individuals affected.

What is the relationship between energy use and access to safe water?

January 30, 2023

Access to safe water is vital for human well-being. While progress has been made, millions still lack basic water services. Energy plays a key role in expanding water access, powering machinery, pumps, and purification systems. Increasing energy use per capita improves access to clean water, but the impact diminishes at higher energy levels.

Where are people dying due to indoor air pollution from cooking fuels?

December 20, 2022

Millions of people die each year due to indoor air pollution caused by the combustion of solid fuels and kerosene in inefficient stoves. Heart disease, stroke, COPD, lung cancer, and other illnesses are major contributors to these deaths. Access to clean cooking fuels is closely linked to lower death rates, with countries having universal access showing the lowest rates.

What are non-energy benefits of home weatherization?

November 21, 2022

Weatherization offers energy and non-energy benefits to households. It involves insulating homes, installing energy-efficient systems, and reducing energy bills. Non-energy benefits include improved health outcomes, such as reduced thermal stress and asthma symptoms. However, challenges like deferred assistance, low coverage, and bias against renters limit the program’s impact.

Does greater energy use reduce undernourishment?

November 14, 2022

Energy access plays a vital role in reducing undernourishment and improving food security. It boosts agricultural productivity, enhances food quality, reduces losses, and enables transportation. However, addressing factors like political instability and poor policies is crucial alongside increasing energy use.

Does more energy use increase life expectancy?

October 31, 2022

Energy use influences life expectancy. Access to energy services improves well-being and extends lifespan, while deprivation has the opposite effect. Modest energy increases positively impact longevity, especially in low-energy regions. However, beyond a certain point, additional energy use has diminishing returns for life expectancy.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected energy insecurity in the United States?

October 3, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic worsened energy insecurity in the US, particularly for vulnerable populations. Prior to the pandemic, around 25% of low-income households struggled to pay energy bills, but during the early months of the pandemic, nearly 13% couldn’t afford them. Racial and ethnic disparities were exacerbated, with Black and Hispanic households facing higher odds of disconnection

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