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The report analyzes the health impacts of ground-level ozone in the Eastern United States, specifically the OTAG region, using 1997 monitoring data and epidemiological concentration-response functions. It estimates that ozone exposure led to 53,000 respiratory hospital admissions, 16,000 cardiovascular hospital admissions, and 159,000 total respiratory emergency room visits during the April-October 1997 season. The analysis highlights significant uncertainty regarding mortality and chronic illness, which were excluded from the quantitative estimates. The findings are compared with a study by the American Lung Association, showing reasonably close results for respiratory admissions.

The Union of Concerned Scientists identifies seven policy tools—Renewables Portfolio Standards, public benefits funding, net metering, fair transmission/distribution rules, fair pollution rules, consumer information, and green customer demand—to transition the US to renewable energy. It argues that deregulation risks favoring fossil fuels unless these mechanisms internalize the public benefits of renewables and remove market barriers.

The Fifth Meeting of the IAI Conference of the Parties (CoP) focused on updating the institute's scientific agenda, approving administrative budgets, and expanding financial resources. Key outcomes included the re-election of Director Armando Rabuffetti, the establishment of the Program to Expand Scientific Capacity in the Americas (PESCA), and the approval of a revised scientific agenda covering climate variability, ecosystem studies, atmospheric composition, and integrated assessments. The meeting also saw the election of a new Executive Committee and the signing of funding agreements with Argentina and Brazil.

The report challenges claims by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) that modern cars are 90-96% cleaner than 1960s precontrol cars. It finds that real-world emissions are significantly higher than regulatory standards due to equipment malfunction and 'off-cycle' driving. Furthermore, a 2.7-fold increase in total vehicle miles traveled and a shift toward light trucks—which have less stringent standards—have offset per-vehicle gains. Consequently, while hydrocarbons decreased, nitrogen oxide emissions for the total passenger fleet actually increased by over 20% between 1965 and 1995. The author concludes that passenger vehicles remain a primary source of carbon monoxide and smog-forming pollutants, necessitating a shift toward intrinsically-clean vehicle technologies.

The report develops a pilot Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) for Sweden (1950-1992), finding that while per capita ISEW grew by over 90%, it lagged behind the more than 100% growth of per capita GNP. The index began to diverge from GNP around 1980, eventually declining by 1992. This divergence was less severe than in the US or UK, which the authors attribute to Sweden's progressive income distribution policies and its reliance on hydropower, which reduced the negative impacts of resource depletion and long-term environmental damage in the index calculations.

The document describes a case study centered on St. Charles Medical Center's evaluation of energy conservation measures (ECMs) under the US EPA's Green Lights and ENERGY STAR Buildings programs. It highlights the Green Lights Program's goal of reducing air pollution by promoting energy-efficient lighting, noting that lighting constitutes 20-25% of electricity sold in the U.S. The case focuses on the balance between strict financial analysis and intangible factors, such as workplace productivity, when deciding on retrofitting projects.

The document describes a scenario where Mike Severns, Director of Facility Services at St. Charles Medical Center in Oregon, evaluates eleven energy conservation measures (ECMs) divided into three stages. The hospital's participation in the EPA's Green Lights and ENERGY STAR Buildings programs aims to reduce electricity costs and environmental impact. The analysis is supported by a performance contract with Johnson Controls Incorporated (JCI), which guarantees energy cost reductions, and an Energy Rebate from the Bonneville Power Administration. The ECMs range from simple lighting retrofits (Stage I) to complex system upgrades like variable air volume controls (Stage II) and heat recovery chillers (Stage III), the latter of which also helps the facility meet expected chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) phaseout requirements.

The document details Mobil Corporation's 1992 commitment to the US EPA's voluntary Green Lights Program, aimed at reducing air pollution through energy-efficient lighting. It describes the organizational challenges faced by Facilities Management Coordinator Fred Schoeneborn, including a lack of direct authority over facility managers and the perception of facilities as mere cost centers. The case highlights the transition from lighting-specific goals to the broader ENERGY STAR Buildings Program and discusses the internal strategies used to drive adoption, such as financial proof from a pilot project in Princeton, New Jersey, and high-level corporate visibility through public advertorials.

The document details a 1994 scenario where the U.S. pulp and paper industry faced pressure to eliminate chlorine bleaching due to the production of dioxins and other organochlorines. It contrasts the positions of the EPA, which proposed the 'cluster rule' to integrate air and water regulations, Greenpeace, which advocated for totally chlorine-free (TCF) processes, and industry players who argued that elemental chlorine-free (ECF) substitution was a more economically viable solution. The text explores the technical differences between ECF and TCF, the estimated costs of compliance—ranging from $4 billion (EPA) to $10 billion (industry)—and the potential for a voluntary 'covenant' to guide the industry's environmental future.

The study demonstrates that health-related climate messages are twice as likely to shift public attitudes compared to non-health messages across four countries. While a high baseline of concern for climate change exists globally, specific health themes—such as extreme heat, food and water insecurity, and children's health—consistently increase demand for urgent government action and policy support. The report emphasizes that the most impactful health messages vary by country, suggesting that communications should be tailored to local public health priorities to maximize effectiveness.

The document outlines 13 categories of green office solutions for physicians, ranging from reducing paper and energy use to phasing out toxic materials like mercury and glutaraldehyde. It emphasizes that healthcare energy sources contribute to climate change and air pollution, and encourages physicians to educate patients on green practices.

A group of physicians urges the Alberta government to establish a sustainability office within Alberta Health Services (AHS) to address energy efficiency and waste management, proposing that funding be provided via grants from the carbon levy to avoid impacting clinical budgets.

The document outlines the public health benefits of shifting from car-dependency to active transportation (walking and cycling) and public transit. It links these modes of travel to reductions in cardiovascular risk, improved mental health, and lower rates of traffic fatalities. Environmentally, it highlights the role of transit and active travel in reducing traffic-related air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions to meet climate goals. Finally, it discusses how transit-supportive infrastructure reduces the financial burden of transportation for low-income individuals and improves access to essential health services.

The document promotes active transportation—human-powered travel like walking and cycling—as a way to integrate physical activity into daily life. It highlights health benefits, including reduced risks of chronic diseases and obesity, as well as mental health improvements. Economically, it notes that active transport is a low-cost alternative to car ownership, which can cost approximately $10,000 annually. Environmentally, it argues that active transport produces no greenhouse gases or air pollution, unlike cars. Finally, it emphasizes that active transportation increases community access for the 20-40% of people who cannot drive.

The document details the environmental and health impacts of Alberta's coal-fired power plants, noting that in 2014, 68% of the province's electricity was generated from coal. It highlights that these plants are significant sources of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter, mercury, and greenhouse gases, with 2011 emissions totaling 43 megatonnes of GHG. The authors propose a transition plan to reach 0% coal reliance by 2030, increasing renewable energy to 40% and reducing electricity demand through energy efficiency by 20%. The strategy discourages increased reliance on stand-alone natural gas due to production-related GHG emissions and suggests mechanisms for phase-out such as legislated closures, lifespan caps, or carbon pricing.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment warns that gas-powered data centres in Alberta pose significant health risks, including air pollution from nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, noise pollution, and contamination from PFAS. The document highlights that these facilities place additional strain on water security and already overburdened rural healthcare systems, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses.

The document outlines the environmental and health risks associated with Alberta's reliance on coal-fired power plants, noting that in 2014, 68 per cent of the province's electricity was generated from coal. It highlights that these plants are major sources of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and mercury, leading to increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Using the Illness Cost of Air Pollution (ICAP) model for 2008, the document estimates that coal plant pollution caused over 100 deaths and cost approximately $300 million per year in health impacts. Additionally, it links coal plants to climate change, noting they were responsible for 18% of Alberta's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2011, and warns of future climate-related health risks for Albertans, such as increased heat waves and flooding.

Health professionals from 30 countries call on G7 nations to phase out coal power to reduce air pollution and climate-related health risks. The document highlights that coal plants release sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury, contributing to millions of premature deaths and significant healthcare costs. It advocates for renewable energy and energy efficiency as viable alternatives, noting successful phase-outs in regions like Ontario and the UK.

The document highlights the severe health and environmental risks associated with the 300 square kilometers of tailings ponds in northern Alberta, noting unusually high cancer rates in Fort Chipewyan and the presence of toxic chemicals like arsenic and benzene. It criticizes the industry for underestimating air pollution and failing to report spills, while calling for an Indigenous-led health study and a moratorium on tailings pond growth.

The document calls for the modernization of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), 1999, through an improved Bill C-28. It emphasizes the need for stronger regulation of toxic substances, including bans on carcinogens and hormone disruptors, and the implementation of chemical labelling for consumer products. The briefing highlights the disproportionate impact of toxics on marginalized groups, such as Inuit women and children, and lower-income Canadians, arguing that a strengthened CEPA is essential for a green and just recovery from COVID-19.