Increasing use of renewable energy in US yields billions of dollars of benefits

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new study published in Cell Reports Sustainability reveals that increased use of renewable energy in the US from 2019 to 2022 has yielded $249 billion in climate and health benefits by reducing emissions

🔭 The context: From 2019 to 2022, wind and solar energy helped cut 1 million metric tons of SO2 and NOx emissions in the US
• This shift led to a reduction of 900 million metric tons of CO2 emissions and significant cuts in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The reduction in SO2 and NOx emissions has not only mitigated climate change but also improved air quality, reducing health risks such as asthma and other respiratory issues
• This highlights the dual benefits of renewable energy in tackling both environmental and public health challenges

⏭️ What's next: The findings suggest prioritizing future wind and solar projects in regions where they can maximize climate and health benefits, guiding policymakers in targeted renewable energy development

💬 One quote: “These findings can help us target future wind and solar development to provide the greatest climate and health benefits,” said Jeremiah Johnson, a climate and energy professor at North Carolina State University

📈 One stat:  Between 2019 and 2022, wind and solar power generation in the US grew by 55%, meeting 14% of the country's electricity needs by 2022

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