Final answer:
Motor-vehicle use has been linked to increased air pollution, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and about 53,000 premature deaths annually in the U.S. due to emissions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Environmental effects that have been linked to motor-vehicle use include a range of negative impacts on air quality and public health. Motor vehicle emissions contribute significantly to air pollution, which in turn leads to the creation of smog, particularly in large urban areas. A study by MIT from 2013 shows that such emissions are linked to about 53,000 premature deaths annually in the United States alone. These emissions are a complex mixture of pollutants that have various detrimental effects on human health.
Vehicular air pollution is associated with the aggravation of respiratory diseases, an increase in cardiovascular problems, and a higher incidence of lung cancer. Notably, air pollutants can cause conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Furthermore, the indirect effects of air pollution are equally concerning, including the spread of vector-borne diseases, water pollution from sea level rise, and increased risk of injury or death from environmental extremes such as heatwaves, storms, and floods.
Reducing air pollution from motor vehicles is imperative for enhancing overall health and wellbeing. Alternative, non-polluting sources of energy, such as solar energy, alongside energy conservation measures, can play a crucial role in mitigating these environmental and health hazards.