#None #Diesel Emissions #Health Crisis #CREA

Diesel Truck Emissions: A Silent Crisis

A new report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has unveiled the devastating health and economic consequences stemming from diesel truck emissions. This groundbreaking study indicates that emissions from diesel engines produced by four major manufacturers are linked to approximately 307,000 premature deaths worldwide. The financial implications are equally staggering, with health costs surpassing $1.4 trillion.

The Silent Health Crisis

The report entitled "Heavy-Duty Harm" emphasizes the public health crisis that has arisen due to NOx emissions from diesel trucks, despite the fact that heavy-duty vehicles account for only 3% of all vehicles on roads today. Remarkably, these trucks contribute to 30% of road transportation CO₂ emissions and an astounding 86% of hazardous NOx emissions. Over their operational lifetime from 2014 to 2040, these diesel trucks are predicted to release a colossal 6,466 kilotons of NOx into the atmosphere.

These emissions have dire health implications, particularly for children. The projected health consequences include:

• - 217,000 new asthma cases among children,
• - 321,000 emergency room visits, and
• - 62,000 low-birth-weight babies due to the effects of this pollution.

Economic Burden

The economic ramifications of this crisis are extensive. The estimated damages from diesel truck emissions exceed the entire GDP of Poland, currently standing at $800 billion. The costs associated with resolving the resultant health issues far outstrip the estimated $66 billion required to support 1.4 million electric trucks in the USA or the $40 billion in Europe needed to develop a comprehensive electric charging infrastructure by 2040.

Urgent Call to Action

According to Dr. Jamie Kelly, air quality analyst at CREA, the trucking industry's reluctance to transition to electrification is perpetuating this invisible yet deadly crisis. He states, “The truck pollution crisis is damaging public health, stifling economic productivity, and deepening ecological injustices. Addressing truck electrification is not merely a climate issue; it is about saving lives and protecting our economy.”

As emissions from these trucks continue unabated, there is an urgent need for governmental mandates to phase out the sale of diesel trucks and to invest in cleaner alternatives. CREA urges governments to prioritize electrification technology across all markets, halting investments in environmentally harmful practices like biofuels and hydrogen combustion.

Conclusion

The findings of this study call for immediate actions to reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks significantly. Transitioning to emissions-free trucking is essential for saving lives and minimizing economic damages. The challenges posed by diesel truck emissions are vast, and without swift measures, the health of communities worldwide will remain at severe risk. As stakeholders consider solutions, the report offers a sobering reminder of the real cost of inaction on public health.

For further details, the full report, "Heavy-Duty Harm," can be accessed here.

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About CREA

The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), founded in 2019 in Helsinki, is an independent research organization focused on identifying pollution trends, causes, and health impacts while seeking actionable solutions. Their work spans several Asian and European countries and is funded through philanthropic grants and commissioned research.