Lancet Report Highlights Record Health Impacts of Climate Change in India

The Lancet report, released on October 30, reveals that climate change poses record-breaking health threats worldwide, with India significantly impacted. Key findings include unprecedented levels of health-threatening temperature exposure, severe heatwave effects on vulnerable populations, substantial economic losses due to labor capacity reductions, and rising sea levels threatening coastal communities. Urgent action and redirected funding towards climate resilience are critical to mitigate these challenges.

The latest report from The Lancet, released on October 30, highlights alarming health impacts on a global scale due to climate change, revealing particularly severe effects in India. The report indicates that among 15 monitored health indicators related to climate threats, ten have reached unprecedented levels. The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasizes, “The climate crisis is a health crisis. As the planet heats up, the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters increase, leaving no region untouched.” Additionally, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres notes that “Record-high emissions are posing record-breaking threats to our health. We must cure the sickness of climate inaction — by slashing emissions, protecting people from climate extremes, and ending our fossil fuel addiction.” The report underscores that individuals endured approximately 50 more days of health-threatening temperatures in 2023 compared to expected averages without climate change. Of concern is the data showcasing that in 2022 extreme drought conditions affected nearly half of the global land area, contributing to intensified food insecurity affecting 151 million more people than prior years. Despite the necessity for increased funding towards climate action, fossil fuel investments still dominate global energy funding, with a stunning 36.6% share of investments in 2023. In India, climate change has led to severe heatwaves affecting both infants and the elderly disproportionately. Reports indicate that in 2023, individuals experienced over 2,400 hours (equivalent to 100 days) of moderate heat stress. Economic impacts include the loss of 181 billion potential labor hours due to heat exposure, translating to a USD 141 billion reduction in income capacity from labor. The coastal regions of India, measuring over 7,500 kilometers, are especially threatened by rising sea levels, posing risks to approximately 18.1 million residents living within one meter of sea level. Migration trends due to climate impacts are evident as families in areas like the Sundarbans are forced to relocate. Sanjay Vashist of the Climate Action Network South Asia warns of the long-term implications of these health threats on India’s growth aspirations, urging greater investment for climate resilience. Moreover, the report indicates a shift in the transmission dynamics of climate-sensitive diseases, such as the spread of malaria to higher altitudes and an alarming expansion of dengue across the country, particularly affecting coastal regions. The prevalence of dengue transmission potential related to Aedes mosquitoes has seen a striking increase of 85% from 1951-2023. The report concludes that these health implications necessitate immediate action to mitigate climate-induced risks and promote sustained public health.

The health impacts of climate change have emerged as a significant global concern, with various countries experiencing extreme weather events, food insecurity, and rising health threats. In recent years, scientific studies and reports from reputable sources, including The Lancet, have continued to draw attention to the tangible effects of climate-related issues on public health. The interplay between climate change and human health is multifaceted, influencing disease transmission, economic well-being, and overall quality of life. Indian authorities and international organizations stress the need for urgent action to address these profound challenges as climate-related risks continue to escalate.

The Lancet report unveils the dire health consequences resulting from climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations in India. With rising temperatures, increased frequency of heatwaves, and the specter of infectious diseases, both the economic and health sectors face overwhelming pressure. As global emissions continue to rise, experts call for significant changes in investment strategies, urging redirecting funds from fossil fuels to climate resilience initiatives. India, facing the compounding effects of climate volatility, must prioritize health and safety in its policy framework to foster sustainable development and ensure the well-being of its citizens.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in