Human Health and Ecosystem Impacts of Deep Decarbonization of the Energy System

Global warming mitigation strategies are likely to affect
human
health and biodiversity through diverse cause-effect mechanisms. To
analyze these effects, we implement a methodology to link TIMES energy
models with life cycle assessment using open-source software. The
proposed method uses a cutoff to identify the most relevant processes.
These processes have their efficiencies, fuel mixes, and emission
factors updated to be consistent with the TIMES model. The use of
a cutoff criterion reduces exponentially the number of connection
points between models, facilitating the analysis of scenarios with
a large number of technologies involved. The method is used to assess
the potential effects of deploying low-carbon technologies to reduce
combustion emissions in the province of Quebec (Canada). In the case
of Quebec, the reduction of combustion emissions is largely achieved
through electrification of energy services. Global warming mitigation
efforts reduce the impact on human health and ecosystem quality, mainly
because of lower global warming, water scarcity, and metal contamination
impacts. The TIMES model alone underestimated the reduction of CO2eq by 21% with respect to a full account of emissions.