A new report indicates that climate change is increasingly threatening human health, with record highs in heat-related deaths, infectious diseases, and environmental degradation. Released amidst alarming climate events in 2023, the report identifies contributing factors such as fossil fuel emissions and government subsidies, while also noting some progress in reducing pollution. Urgent action is required to address these pressing health risks associated with climate change.
A recent report emphasizes the mounting dangers posed by climate change to human health, presenting alarming statistics and forecasts regarding its impactful consequences. Released against a backdrop of unprecedented heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, and flooding—predictions indicate that 2023 is set to become the warmest year recorded—this report highlights the urgent need for action. The eighth Lancet Countdown on health and climate change, comprising insights from 122 specialists, including representatives from the World Health Organization, reveals that 10 out of 15 monitored health indicators have reached alarming new highs. Particularly shocking is the increase of 167 percent in heat-related deaths among individuals over 65 since the 1990s. The report also notes the rapid spread of infectious diseases due to expanding mosquito habitats and a record high of over five million dengue cases reported globally in the previous year. It concludes that the decimation of tree cover between 2016 and 2022 has diminished the Earth’s ability to absorb carbon emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis. The investigation points to fossil fuel industries and governmental subsidies as contributors to the escalating climate threats, with fossil fuel subsidies reaching $1.4 trillion in 2022. However, there are glimmers of hope, including a nearly seven percent decline in deaths associated with fossil fuel pollution and a doubling of renewable energy production. The report serves as a call to action, urging immediate policy changes and individual responsibilities to mitigate the consequences of climate change on health.
The issue of climate change and its implications for human health has increasingly gained attention from scientists, policymakers, and the public, especially as the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters escalate. The Lancet Countdown is an ongoing project that tracks the relationship between climate change and health indicators to inform and guide vital policy decisions. This latest report provides an updated assessment of the adverse effects climate change has had on public health, underscoring the urgency needed to address these growing threats.
The findings from the Lancet Countdown report starkly illustrate that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a profound public health crisis. As evidenced by the record threats to global health, including rising mortality rates from heat and the spread of infectious diseases, immediate collective action is crucial. The report underscores the interconnectedness of climate policy and health outcomes, advocating for concerted efforts on both governmental and individual levels. Continued investment in renewable energy and a shift away from fossil fuels are vital to safeguarding public health in the years to come.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
