Catalyzing healthier air: the impact of escalating fossil fuel prices on air quality and public health and the need for transition to clean fuels

Abstract

In this study, we reviewed previous information regarding the effect of fossil fuel pricing intervention on the consumption of fossil fuels, air quality, and population health. In a rapid review, we searched and reviewed reports about the effect of fossil fuel pricing interventions on each or some of the following outcomes: fossil fuel consumption, concentrations of air pollutants, and mortalities or morbidities attributable to exposure to air pollutants. As part of our investigation, we also present the findings of an unpublished, original study that specifically estimated the effects of an elevated gasoline price in Iran's ten most populous cities. Pricing interventions were effective in reducing the consumption of fossil fuels, both in developing and developed countries. Price elasticity for transport gasoline was reported to be -0.227 and -0.715 for short- and long-term, respectively. Reductions in concentrations of air pollutants, especially NO_x and particulate matter, were reported in several studies. This review study demonstrates the effects of escalating fossil fuel prices on reducing consumption, air pollution, and mortalities and morbidities attributable to air pollution. Considering the external costs of fossil fuels through environmental, climate, traffic congestions and accidents, and population health, the real costs of fossil fuels are much higher than their retail price. Pro-rich policies of subsidizing fossil fuels should be replaced by alternative policies that support clean public transport, which is suitable for population health, environment, and equity.