Consequences of Climate Change: Record Threats to Global Health

A report from the Lancet Countdown reveals that climate change is causing unprecedented threats to human health globally, with alarming increases in extreme weather events, elder fatalities due to heat, and the spread of infectious diseases. Despite some positive developments in renewable energy use and pollution reduction, the report emphasizes the urgent need for immediate action to combat the repercussions of climate change on health and well-being.

Climate change is imposing unprecedented threats to human health across the globe, as highlighted by a significant report released on Wednesday. Experts warn that the prolonged inaction in addressing climate change has come at a substantial cost in human lives. The report arrives amid severe climate events such as heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, and flooding, with 2023 anticipated to be the hottest year in recorded history. This report coincides with upcoming United Nations Cop29 talks scheduled in Azerbaijan and shortly precedes a pivotal U.S. election, which may influence the nation’s commitment to climate initiatives, especially with the prospect of former President Donald Trump, known for skepticism regarding climate science, regaining office. The eighth installment of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change, produced by a consortium of 122 experts, including representatives from the World Health Organization and other UN agencies, presents a grim overview of health impacts connected to climate change. Among 15 assessed metrics over the last eight years, 10 have reached alarming new heights. These metrics include increased occurrences of extreme weather events, higher mortality rates among the elderly due to heat exposure, the rise of infectious diseases, and food insecurity stemming from severe droughts and floods affecting agricultural yields. Executive Director Marina Romanello emphasized the gravity of the findings, stating that the report reveals “record threats to the health and survival of people in every country, to levels we have never seen before.” Furthermore, it was noted that fatalities among individuals over the age of 65 due to overheating surged by 167 percent since the 1990s, while the distribution range of mosquitoes expanded, leading to a spike in dengue cases globally, which saw over five million infections last year. The report also outlined concerning environmental degradation, indicating that approximately five percent of the world’s tree cover was lost from 2016 to 2022, thereby diminishing the planet’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide emissions. The role of fossil fuel companies, aligned with certain governments and financial institutions, in exacerbating climate change was also scrutinized. Global emissions of greenhouse gases have escalated again last year despite longstanding warnings, with oil and gas corporations enjoying record profits and increasing fossil fuel production. Moreover, many nations resorted to providing new subsidies for fossil fuels to mitigate the economic impact of soaring prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, resulting in $1.4 trillion in subsidies in 2022. Despite the bleak outlook, there were some positive developments to acknowledge. Notably, deaths attributed to fossil fuel-related air pollution decreased by nearly seven percent between 2016 and 2021, primarily due to efforts aimed at mitigating coal combustion. The share of renewable energy in electricity production nearly doubled during this period, reaching ten percent. Furthermore, the increasing incorporation of health considerations in climate negotiations, particularly in the context of the Cop talks and forthcoming national climate commitments, offers a glimpse of hope. Romanello cautioned that immediate action is imperative, stating, “If action is not taken today, the future will be very dangerous.” She underscored the urgency, saying, “There is really no more time to waste – I know we have been saying this for many years – but what we are seeing is that the wasted time has been paid in lives.” For individuals, Romanello suggested adopting sustainable lifestyle choices, such as a climate-friendly diet, minimizing carbon-intensive travel, divesting from banks financing fossil fuels, and voting for leaders committed to robust climate action.

Climate change represents a significant global challenge affecting various aspects of life, particularly public health. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, shifting patterns of disease transmission, and ecological disruptions have direct and indirect repercussions on human health. This report synthesizes and reviews indicators related to climate change’s impact on health, aiming to inform policy decisions and raise awareness about the urgent need for action to mitigate these impacts. The findings reflect the accumulated data and trends observed over the past several years, emphasizing the necessity for immediate policy interventions and personal responsibility in combating climate change.

In conclusion, the latest Lancet Countdown report underscores the alarming extent to which climate change is jeopardizing human health worldwide. While there are signs of progress, the data presented highlights the urgency for comprehensive action against climate change to avert further health crises. As the world prepares for significant climate talks and upcoming political decisions, collaborative efforts are essential to foster sustainable methods and enhance climate resilience to protect future generations.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr