Assessing the Air Quality and Health Impacts of Decarbonization Strategies in Connecticut Open Access
Dong, Danni (Spring 2023)
Published
Abstract
Background: Decarbonization strategies have emerged as crucial measures for mitigating climate change and enhancing air quality. Moreover, decarbonization is anticipated to yield significant health co-benefits, such as reduced respiratory and cardiovascular disease among vulnerable populations. Connecticut faces particularly poor air quality, with all eight counties currently in nonattainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard.
Methods: This study examines the impact of decarbonization on air quality, health outcomes, and environmental justice in Connecticut using modeling tools developed by the U.S. EPA. Two scenarios (DC1 and DC2) were modeled until 2050 in GCAM, incorporating a combination of state and federal legislation and targets, and generating county-wise emissions data for key pollutants (NOx, SO2, VOC, NH3, and PM2.5). These emissions were input into COBRA to estimate PM2.5 concentrations and health benefits. Finally, EJScreen data was utilized to assess correlations between demographic indicators and projected mortality costs.
Results: Decarbonization scenario DC1, which includes regional CO2 caps, California Light-Duty vehicle electrification targets, and the Medium and Heavy-Duty Electrification Memorandum of Understanding, is expected to yield $80.7 million (2017$) in health benefits for Connecticut annually. DC2, which employs the same targets but limits biomass and carbon capture and storage (CCS) usage, yields $99.4 million in health benefits annually. The association between health benefits and decarbonization appears particularly strong among minority populations, with a correlation coefficient exceeding -0.87 for DC2.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that more ambitious decarbonization targets could yield substantial health benefits for Connecticut residents. Further research is required to analyze regional emission contributions to Connecticut's overall air quality.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Background
The Link Between Air Pollution and Health
Decarbonization Methods
Health Co-Benefits of Decarbonization
Impacts on Connecticut
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
METHODS
Scenarios
1. Reference Case
2. Decarbonization Case (DC1)
3. Decarbonization with PM Reductions (DC2)
Modeling and Analysis
RESULTS
Section 1: Emissions & Air Quality
Section 2: Health Impacts
CONCLUSION
Summary of Major Findings
Limitations of the Study
Next Steps
APPENDIX
I. State GHG Targets (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, 2022)
II. Regional Emissions Impact on CT
About this Master's Thesis
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Assessing the Air Quality and Health Impacts of Decarbonization Strategies in Connecticut () | 2023-04-20 14:59:54 -0400 |
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