Rising Heat-Related Deaths and Diseases Attributed to Climate Change, Experts Warn

A recent report by the Lancet Countdown reveals a significant increase in heat-related deaths and diseases due to climate change, with the average person experiencing 50 more days of dangerous temperatures in 2023. The elderly are particularly vulnerable, with deaths in this demographic rising by 167% compared to the 1990s. While some positive trends in reducing fossil fuel-related pollution are noted, the report emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect public health amidst growing climate-related challenges.

A recent report by health experts underscores the alarming rise in heat-related fatalities and diseases attributed to climate change. The Lancet Countdown, an annual assessment produced by a team of 122 experts, including members from the World Health Organization (WHO), reveals that in 2023, the hottest year recorded to date, individuals experienced an average of 50 extra days marked by perilous temperatures due to the ongoing climate crisis. The document highlights the correlation between increased global temperatures and the rising incidence of illnesses and deaths, particularly among the elderly. The report attributes the worsening health outcomes to the persistent occurrence of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, hurricanes, and flooding, which have intensified this year. According to the analysis, if current governmental policies persist, the world will be on course to realize a temperature increase of up to 2.7 degrees Celsius by the year 2100. Among the 15 indicators monitored over the past eight years, a concerning 10 have reached unprecedented levels, reflecting a surge in extreme weather phenomena, heightened mortality among seniors due to heat, and growing instances of food insecurity owing to crop failures induced by climatic extremes. The elderly are especially at risk; the report indicates that heat-related deaths among individuals aged 65 and older skyrocketed to 167 percent beyond the figures recorded in the 1990s. Marina Belen Romanello, executive director of the Lancet Countdown, stated, “Year on year, the deaths directly associated with climate change are increasing.” She elaborated that the repercussions of rising temperatures extend beyond mortality, as they also contribute to an increase in heat-related diseases. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the economic ramifications of extreme heat, estimating that last year’s conditions resulted in a loss of approximately 512 billion potential labor hours, translating into significant income losses worldwide. The fossil fuel industry, according to the findings, has been a contributing factor to climate-related issues, with major oil and gas corporations posting record profits while simultaneously increasing fossil fuel production in response to market fluctuations following geopolitical tensions. The researchers noted that nearly half of the world’s land area experienced severe drought conditions, leading approximately 151 million individuals to face food insecurity compared to the baseline years of 1981 to 2010. Additionally, extreme rainfall affected about 60 percent of the land, resulting in flooding and an increased risk of waterborne diseases. The authors of the report have urged participants at the upcoming United Nations climate summit, COP29, scheduled for November 11 in Azerbaijan, to increase funding directed towards public health initiatives. Nevertheless, the report does present some positive trends, most notably a decrease in deaths connected to air pollution from fossil fuels, which fell by nearly 7 percent from 2016 to 2021, partly as a result of initiatives to reduce coal combustion. Additionally, the proportion of clean renewable energy generating electricity rose close to 10.5 percent during the same timeframe. Despite these increments in progress, Romanello cautioned, “No individual or economy on the planet is immune from the health threats of climate change.”

Climate change has emerged as a critical global challenge, significantly impacting public health and economic stability. Increasingly severe weather conditions, combined with rising global temperatures, have led to a spike in heat-related illnesses and fatalities, particularly impacting vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Health experts have increasingly highlighted the necessity of addressing these issues within the framework of climate policies. The Lancet Countdown serves as an essential resource for evaluating and warning the public about the consequences of climate change on health and well-being.

In summary, the latest Lancet Countdown report paints a grim picture of the consequences of climate change, specifically noting the rise in heat-related deaths and diseases and the pressing need for immediate action. As extreme weather events continue to threaten lives and livelihoods globally, it becomes increasingly critical for nations and corporations to prioritize and implement strategies that mitigate climate change effects and safeguard public health. The call for heightened funding towards these efforts at the forthcoming UN climate summit reflects the urgency of the situation.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com