Energy, Energy Efficiency, and the Built Environment

Paul Wilkinson, Kirk R Smith, Sean Beevers, Cathryn Tonne, Tadj Oreszczyn. "Energy, Energy Efficiency, and the Built Environment." The Lancet (2007) 370: 1175-87, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6T1B-4PNF2PB-3-2&_cdi=4886&_user=1822432&_pii=S0140673607612550&_origin=mlkt&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=10%2F05%2F2007&_sk=996290406&wchp=dGLbVzW-zSkzS&md5=29ada16e84720d36571650a28e3dce23&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

The article examines infrastructure-buildings where we live and work as the largest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. The authors discuss some of the problems with better energy sources in buildings and why renewable energy sources in buildings are necessary for better health. Increase in energy efficiency results in increased demand. Converting existing buildings is more expensive than just adding the new technology to new construction. So people may be reluctant to invest the money for the improvement unless they understand the larger issue-health benefits. Existing houses account for a quarter of carbon emissions in the UK. Mortality rates are higher among people living in energy inefficient homes than those living in more energy efficient homes. Studies performed in the UK and New Zealand have reported more incidences of disease, days off work, and increased visits to doctors by people living in inefficient homes. The carbon dioxide emitted by individual homes not only affects the inhabitants of that particular home but also the rest of the population because of the health side effects from the air pollution in the community. Researchers believe adoption of renewable energy could lead to considerable reductions in premature deaths, chronic respiratory

This article provides supportive information for my research question. It is also good because it points to alternative forms of electricity specifically which is where solar power can play a role in conversion.

Policies for Accelerating Access to Clean Energy

Andy Haines, Kirk R Smith, Dennis Anderson, Paul R Epstein, Anthony J McMichael, Ian Roberts, Paul Wilkinson, James Woodcock, Jeremy Woods. "Policies for Accelerating Access to Clean Energy, Improving Health, Advancing Development, and Mitigating Climate Change." Lancet (2007) 370: 1264-81, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6T1B-4PNF2PB-5-R&_cdi=4886&_user=1822432&_pii=S0140673607612574&_origin=mlkt&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=10%2F12%2F2007&_sk=996290405&wchp=dGLbVzb-zSkzk&md5=14d243ca638004e23c3e06f739486305&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

This article explains reducing the usage of fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions, and converting to renewable energy sources needs to be a priority in both developed countries and underdeveloped countries. The authors compare the need for conversion in the following statement, "The challenge faced by society in moving to cleaner, healthier, more sustainable patterns of energy use is comparable to great public-health challenges of earlier generations, and its successful achievement will require bold and visionary leadership, which we predict would result in substantial benefits to global health both in the short and long terms." The authors explain risks and awards of using various forms of renewable energy such as geothermal, wind, and solar. Solar is listed as one of the alternative energy sources with the least potential for negative side effects. Not only does converting to renewable energy sources such as solar power have definite health benefits but it protects climate change and creates new jobs. The article also explains how food and agriculture contributes to increased emissions as well as population growth. However, these problems can be eliminated with conversion to renewable energy sources such as solar. The authors also explain health workers are in a perfect position to take a more elevated role in consumer awareness because their job is to help people become aware of activities they do that may contribute to bad health.
This is another good article supporting my research question. I liked the fact that the authors suggest health workers are good sources for advocacy in informing people the health benefits of renewable energy sources.