The Long Term Health Benefits of Electrifying Our Transport System
Blog post
As I cycled along the busy downtown streets this morning, I couldn't help but notice the clouds of acrid exhaust fumes hanging in the air from the traffic around me. While the electric vehicle revolution may seem like a distant reality to some, it is - in fact - already becoming more evident in our daily lives. If you ask me, the potential long-term health benefits of electrifying our transport system is a powerful driving force for this much-needed change. Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's remember a wonderful quote by Mahatma Gandhi: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Breathing Easier: The Impact on Respiratory Health
As pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles continues to worsen air quality, respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer are on the rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 4.2 million premature deaths occur worldwide due to exposure to outdoor air pollution. Enter electric vehicles (EVs), which emit no tailpipe pollution. Transitioning to EVs on a wide scale would help reduce airborne pollutants significantly, leading to fewer respiratory health issues and saving both lives and resources.
Fun fact: Did you know that electric cars were actually more popular than gasoline-powered vehicles in the early 1900s? However, rapid advancements in gasoline technology and mass production techniques shifted the paradigm and led to the popularity of gas-powered vehicles in the 20th century.
A Sound Contender: Reducing Noise Pollution
Another often-overlooked benefit of electrifying our transport system is the reduction in noise pollution. EVs operate more quietly than their noisy gas-powered counterparts, making our living spaces, such as neighborhoods and city life, more peaceful and enjoyable. Research reveals that noise pollution causes adverse physical and mental effects such as sleep disturbances, increased stress levels, and even higher chances of heart disease. Imagine a world where your home is no longer rattled by the roar of motorcycles or heavy trucks passing by – isn't that just music to your ears?
Recharging the Economy: Stimulating Growth in the Green Energy Sector
As we venture into an EV-centric future, we'll see a surge in demand for green energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower. That growth will generate new job opportunities and contribute to a more sustainable, circular economy. By choosing to invest in electric vehicles, we'd be supporting not only our health but also the health of the economy and environment.
A Personal Anecdote
When I got my electric bicycle a few years ago, I was instantly struck by how responsive and smooth the ride was, free from exhaust fumes accompanying gas-powered vehicles. The more I rode, the more I knew I was contributing to a cleaner and healthier future for me and my loved ones. Guess what? My next big goal is to transition to an electric car!
Final Thoughts
As we look toward the future, we must embrace the idea of electrifying our transport system as a necessary step towards cleaner air, reduced noise pollution, and a more sustainable society. After all, the long-term health benefits for both humans and the planet are simply too significant to ignore. As the lyrics in the famous Joni Mitchell song "Big Yellow Taxi" remind us: "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone?" Let's not wait for a greener and healthier future – let's drive into it today!