Quantifying the reductions in mortality from air-pollution by cancelling new coal power plants

Deep decarbonization paths to the 1.5 °C or 2 temperature stabilization futures require a rapid reduction in coal-fired power plants, but many countries are continuing build new ones. Coal-fired plants also major contributor air pollution related health impacts. Here, we couple an integrated human-earth system model (GCAM) with quality (TM5-FASST) examine regional co-benefits from cancelling worldwide. Our analysis considers evolution of pollutants control based on coal vintage and policies. We find that all proposed projects would decrease premature mortality between 101,388–213,205 deaths (2–5%) 2030, 213,414–373,054 (5–8%) 2050, globally, heavily concentrated developing Asia. These comparable magnitude values obtained by implementing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Furthermore, estimate strengthening climate target avoid 326,351 additional mortalities which 251,011 (75%) attributable incremental plant shutdown.