The public health co-benefits of strategies consistent with net-zero emissions: a systematic review of quantitative studies

Abstract

Moving toward net-zero emission societies is projected to provide health co-benefits, yet their magnitude is not well documented and may be context-specific. Synthesizing the evidence on these co-benefits could enhance the engagement of decision-makers and populations in climate mitigation actions. We performed a systematic review including 58 quantitative studies exploring 125 scenarios. Across air quality, physical activity and dietary changes pathways, substantial health co-benefits were found, with half of scenarios showing a mortality reduction by more than 1.5%, in addition to benefits directly related to climate stabilization. However, these co-benefits varied with explored emission sectors, decarbonization levers, modelling approaches and locations. Among studies including a cost-benefit analysis, 11 of 13 estimated that monetized benefits outweighed the costs of implementing climate policies. This review highlights the need for a standardised framework to assess and compare health impacts of climate mitigation actions across sectors, and confirms that achieving net-zero goals supports far-reaching public health policies.