Climate Change and Health: Public Health and Legal Strategies to Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels, Increase Air Quality, and Improve Human Health

J Law Med Ethics. 2024;52(S1):53-56. doi: 10.1017/jme.2024.49. Epub 2024 Jul 12.

Abstract

Reliance upon fossil fuels and limited greenspace contribute to poor indoor and outdoor air quality and adverse health outcomes, particularly in communities of color. This article describes justice-informed public health and legal interventions to increase access to greenspace and accelerate the transitions to renewable energy and away from gas appliances.

Keywords: Air Quality; Climate Change; Equity; Greenspace; Renewable Energy.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollution* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Air Pollution* / prevention & control
  • Climate Change*
  • Fossil Fuels*
  • Humans
  • Public Health* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Renewable Energy
  • United States

Substances

  • Fossil Fuels