A new report by the Lancet Countdown highlights severe consequences of climate change on health, indicating that 10 out of 15 tracked indicators have reached alarming levels. Major findings include a 167 percent increase in heat-related deaths among the elderly since the 1990s, a surge in infectious diseases like dengue, and global carbon emissions continuing to rise. While some progress has been noted, experts call for immediate action to prevent further health crises aggravated by climate change.
A recent report has revealed alarming impacts of climate change on global health, emphasizing that significant delays in action have resulted in dire consequences for human lives. The report was published by the Lancet Countdown and is based on insights from 122 experts, including those affiliated with the World Health Organization. Amid record heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, and floods, 2023 is on track to become the warmest year on record. Experts highlighted that out of 15 tracked indicators over the past eight years, a troubling 10 indicators have set new concerning benchmarks, including a surge in extreme weather events and rising fatality rates among the elderly due to heat exposure. The mortality of individuals over the age of 65 from heat-related causes has escalated by 167 percent since the 1990s, and the increased temperatures have allowed mosquito populations to spread diseases further afield, resulting in over five million reported dengue cases last year alone. The report also pointed to the substantial loss of tree cover, which hampers the planet’s ability to absorb emitted carbon dioxide. Furthermore, it highlighted the role of fossil fuel companies and some government subsidies in exacerbating climate conditions, with global emissions of greenhouse gases increasing again last year. Despite the mounting evidence of climate-related health dangers, oil and gas corporations benefitted from record profits while fossil fuel subsidies rose to $1.4 trillion in 2022. However, encouraging progress has been recorded, including a nearly seven percent decline in deaths due to fossil fuel-related air pollution and a significant increase in the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources. Experts assert that urgent actions are essential to avert a dangerous future, urging households to adopt more sustainable practices, such as supporting clean energy initiatives and advocating for climate-aware political leadership.
The ongoing climate crisis represents one of the most pressing challenges to public health worldwide. This is evidenced by an increase in extreme weather patterns, which not only endanger human lives but also disrupt food production and health systems. The Lancet Countdown report serves to aggregate and communicate the latest findings relating health disruptions directly to climate change, facilitating a clearer understanding of the stakes involved as decision-makers preparation for global climate negotiations, such as the upcoming UN Cop29 talks. This report acts as a wake-up call to governments and individuals alike regarding the need for immediate and sustained action.
In conclusion, the Lancet Countdown report emphasizes the urgent need for action in the face of climate change, which is manifesting as unprecedented threats to human health globally. While the report acknowledges some positive developments, it starkly warns that without immediate measures, the future will prove perilous for humanity. A collective effort involving policy reform, sustainable practices, and increased awareness of the health ramifications of climate change is essential for safeguarding public wellbeing.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
