Fossil fuels cost trillions in health and productivity

Experts urge governments to commit to curb fossil fuel subsidies, advertising and lobbying power

Air pollution, largely attributable to the burning of fossil fuels, drained $2.9tn from the global economy in 2018 — equal to 3.3 per cent of worldwide GDP — through early mortality, lost labour income and reduced quality of life, shows analysis from the Global Climate and Health Alliance. 

Cover photo:  The harmful pollutants released at each stage of fossil fuels’ life cycle build up, contaminating soils, waterways and food chains for centuries © Jeff Swensen/Getty Images