July 2, 2023 | Originally published in The Cap Times
By: Valeria D. Hairston, DPM
I’m a physician practicing medicine in the Milwaukee area. Currently, I’m driving a high-mileage car that is in need of replacement, and I strongly want to purchase an electric vehicle because of the impact a gasoline car has on the environment.
As a provider, I see how poor air quality exacerbates my patients’ asthma. Despite my strong desire to purchase an electric vehicle, it has to make financial sense. That’s why I urge President Biden’s administration to make buying electric vehicles less cumbersome and as affordable as possible.
Transitioning away from internal combustion engines and toward zero emission cars will have a powerful impact on air quality and help to limit the climate crisis in Wisconsin. Currently, transportation accounts for 29% of the greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and it’s the leading cause of heat-trapping pollution. Burning gasoline and diesel fuel creates harmful byproducts, including nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. These pollutants can cause significant health problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and heart attacks. Additionally, there can be delays in infant development, reduced IQ, attention deficits and learning difficulties…READ THE FULL ARTICLE>
Valeria D. Hairston is a Milwaukee-area physician. She completed the Climate and Health Equity Fellowship in 2023.