Energy Library

June 24, 2020

Greenpeace MENA published a global report today entitled “Toxic Air: The Price of Fossil Fuels", including figures that reveal the massive health and economic cost endured by countries due to their reliance on fossil fuels, which pollute the air and increase disease and mortality rates. The report also sheds light on the solutions that can protect our health and benefit our societies. Check report and Watch video.

The number of premature deaths in MENA countries is estimated at 65,000, as a result of air pollution due to fossil fuels. The estimated average number of premature deaths in Lebanon as a result of air pollution due to fossil fuels was 2,700 in 2018 – that is, at a rate of 4 deaths per 10,000 people, which is one of the highest rates in the region, along with Egypt’s.

“These frightening numbers reveal a hidden and unknown health crisis and sound the alarm about the high levels of air pollution in Lebanon, which put the health and life of every Lebanese citizen at risk,” Greenpeace MENA Programme Manager Julien Jreissati said, adding that “air pollution exposes our societies to chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, thereby making us more vulnerable to respiratory system viruses, such as COVID-19.” In fact, numerous studies have reported strong evidence confirming that long-term exposure to air pollution increases the severity of COVID-19 contraction, as well as related deaths. Read more.

Check more statistics here.