In the critical initial two years of life, the brain undergoes remarkable development, forming an astonishing one million neural connections per second. However, this essential process faces a significant impediment due to air pollution in urban areas. Recognizing this challenge, Kate Harrison has dedicated her life to advocating for a solution.
As of 2014, nearly half of the American population resided in regions that did not meet federal air quality standards. Since 1958, scientific evidence has consistently identified automobile exhaust as the primary culprit behind urban air pollution. Additionally, transportation emissions constitute the largest portion of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, contributing to the overarching issue of climate change.
Remarkably, the solution to these challenges is already within reach in urban centers: the adoption of electric-powered engines. By transitioning from gasoline to electricity, cities can completely eliminate tailpipe emissions, presenting a viable and sustainable remedy for both air pollution and its adverse effects on healthy brain development.
“I suffered from childhood asthma growing up in New Haven, Connecticut where almost 15% of kids have asthma—almost double the national average,” Ms. Harrison shared.
“The need for cities to reduce pollution is a moral imperative with clearly defined consequences for their most vulnerable residents,” she stated. “Especially in many minority communities which are jammed up against highways and major traffic corridors.”
Harrison took on the role of co-founder at MoveEV, a company dedicated to facilitating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) for organizations. The company assists in converting both fleet and individually owned gasoline vehicles to electric alternatives, offering reimbursements for home charging.
A compelling argument for widespread EV adoption emerges from statistics provided by the American Lung Association: if all new cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in the next decade were zero-emission, the United States could potentially witness up to 89,300 fewer premature deaths, two million fewer asthma attacks, 10 million fewer lost workdays, and a staggering $978 billion in public health benefits by the year 2050.
The success of Norway stands out as a practical illustration of the positive impact of EV adoption on reducing air pollution. Approximately 80% of the new cars sold in Norway are now fully electric, with an additional 10% being plug-in hybrids. Notably, the country relies on an electricity grid that is exceptionally green, with 91.8% generated from hydropower and 6.4% from wind energy. Consequently, the levels of hazardous particles in the air have seen a remarkable decrease of three-quarters from 2000 to 2020, showcasing the tangible benefits of embracing electric vehicles.
“EVs are an incredible technology that can move the needle on climate pollution, help families—and cities—save money, and improve our health.”
California’s ambitious pursuit of electric vehicle (EV) adoption in recent years has translated into tangible and measurable outcomes. A study conducted in California spanning from 2013 to 2019 revealed that a modest increase of 20 electric vehicles per 1,000 people in a specific zip code correlated with a notable 3.2% reduction in the rate of emergency room visits attributable to asthma. This decline is particularly significant given that asthma often results from the inhalation of combustion byproducts emitted by conventional cars.
Kate Harrison, an advocate for EV adoption, contends that cities should lead by example in promoting sustainable transportation. A key aspect of this initiative involves replacing gasoline-powered fleet vehicles, such as trucks and buses, with electric alternatives. This shift is gaining traction, with notable examples such as Amazon deploying over 100,000 electric delivery vans.
New York City serves as a noteworthy illustration of progress in this realm, operating a fleet of more than 4,000 government-owned electric vehicles, including an electrified garbage truck fleet. Furthermore, efforts like the federal government’s Clean School Bus Program, allocating over $5 billion, are actively supporting cities in prioritizing electric vehicles for transporting children and reducing idling near schools. These initiatives collectively underscore the growing momentum toward environmentally friendly transportation solutions and their positive impact on public health.
Kate actively supports individuals in their transition to electric vehicles (EVs), sharing valuable insights on the MoveEV site. In a blog post, she details her own experience purchasing a 2012 Nissan Leaf, emphasizing its affordability as an “insanely affordable electric vehicle.”
To further facilitate the adoption of electric cars, Los Angeles, a city notorious for harmful tailpipe emissions, has implemented measures to make EV usage more convenient. The city boasts over 1,100 public charging stations, offering free parking and charging at select locations. Additionally, residents receive rebates for installing home chargers, encouraging a more widespread embrace of electric vehicles.
Los Angeles’ commitment to supporting EV drivers aligns with efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of conventional vehicles. The provision of public charging infrastructure and incentives for home charging contributes to the overall accessibility and attractiveness of electric vehicles for the local community.
Furthermore, other cities, like San Francisco, are exploring innovative approaches to incentivize EV adoption. In such places, electric vehicle drivers enjoy reduced bridge tolls, reflecting a broader trend toward creating favorable conditions for those choosing eco-friendly transportation alternatives. These initiatives not only contribute to individual efforts for sustainable living but also reinforce the commitment of urban centers to address environmental challenges posed by traditional combustion engine vehicles.
“Every parent deserves the assurance that their child’s environment isn’t silently eroding their potential,” Harrison said. “Data from places like Norway and California present not just a vision but a tangible reality of what is achievable.”
“It’s no longer a question of whether cities can afford to embrace electric vehicles but whether they can afford not to. With advances in EV technology, cities and counties have no excuse not to meet the imperative of embracing EV adoption.” This is where MoveEV helps them with the transition.
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