Several medical groups including the Alberta Medical Association, the Asthma Society of Canada and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment are praising the Alberta government’s plan to phase out coal-burning power plants within 15 years, saying the plan will save lives and health care dollars.
“The entire (Alberta) fleet of 18 plants produce 33 per cent of the sulfur dioxide in the province, 10 per cent of nitrous oxide and six per cent of industrial emissions,” Dr. Joe Vipond of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment said. He said research has shown these pollutants contribute to both serious respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
“We’re talking about strokes, heart attacks, arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythms.”
Vipond was one of several doctors to speak out in support of the province’s new climate policy Monday during a media event with Alberta’s health and environment ministers. The Alberta medical association president also expressed his support. Dr. Carl Nohr said in a statement Monday, “Physicians know very well the negative health effects of air pollution, including from coal power generation. In the fall, the AMA’s governing body passed a motion calling on the association to advocate for a phase out of coal power in this province as soon as possible. We are very pleased to learn of the government’s plan to expedite this process and seek other solutions that will be healthier for all Albertans.”
A 2013 report from the Pembina Institute, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, the Alberta and N.W.T. Lung Association and the Asthma Society of Canada found coal-fired power generation was likely to cause thousands of early deaths in Alberta. Using a model developed by the Canadian Medical Association, the report estimates that between 2008 and 2031, there will be just over 3,000 premature deaths from health impacts of coal-fired electricity. There will be more than 2,000 hospital admissions for the same reasons, nearly 10,000 visits to emergency wards and more than 100,000 instances of asthma sufferers having to restrict their activities. Phasing out coal-fired power generation, the report found, could save Alberta $300 million in health care costs annually.
“It’s a simple equation but one with serious consequences,” Alberta Health Minister, Sarah Hoffman said. “By reaching zero coal emissions by 2030, we will reduce ER visits, protect Albertans and save hundreds of millions of dollars in costs that impact the health system.
– With files from The Canadian Press
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