A Lancet Countdown report reveals that climate change poses unprecedented threats to global health, with 10 out of 15 monitored health indicators reaching record levels. Amid extreme weather events in 2023, experts emphasize an urgent need to address climate issues to save lives. While there have been positive trends in reducing air pollution deaths and increasing renewable energy use, action is crucial to curtail the dire consequences of climate change on health.
The recent Lancet Countdown report presents an alarming assessment of how climate change is increasingly endangering human health, revealing unprecedented threats and urging immediate action. Released amid extreme weather events—such as heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, and floods—the report warns that the time lost in addressing climate issues equates to lives lost. The report highlighted that, from the 15 health indicators monitored over eight years, 10 have reached alarming new highs. These indicators include increased occurrences of severe weather, rising heat-related deaths among the elderly, the spread of infectious diseases, and food insecurity due to droughts and floods affecting crop yields. Marina Romanello, the executive director of the Lancet Countdown, stated, “the report showed there are record threats to the health and survival of people in every country, to levels we have never seen before.” Noteworthy statistics include a 167 percent increase in heat-related deaths among individuals aged over 65 since the 1990s and over five million dengue cases reported worldwide in 2022 alone. The destruction of approximately five percent of global tree cover from 2016 to 2022 has diminished the planet’s ability to absorb CO2 emissions. The report also scrutinized the role of fossil fuel companies and certain governments in exacerbating climate change, with greenhouse gas emissions on the rise again in 2022 despite long-standing warnings from scientists. Encouragingly, there were signs of progress such as a nearly seven percent decrease in deaths linked to fossil fuel-related air pollution between 2016 and 2021. The share of clean renewable energy in electricity generation has doubled to about 10.5 percent during the same period. Romanello has noted that climate talks are starting to consider health implications more seriously, a positive step for future negotiations. However, she exerted that urgent action is required, stating, “there is really no more time to waste—what we are seeing is that the wasted time has been paid in lives.” She encouraged individuals to adopt climate-friendly habits and make informed electoral choices for a sustainable future.
The report by the Lancet Countdown, which involves contributions from a diverse group of 122 health and climate experts, underscores the critical link between climate change and health outcomes. As the world experiences unprecedented weather events, the health impacts are becoming more palpable, resulting in increasing mortality rates and diminished quality of life. This report is timely, coinciding with global climate discussions, particularly the upcoming COP29 conference, highlighting the urgency for nations to act swiftly and effectively in addressing climate change.
In conclusion, the Lancet Countdown report serves as a stark reminder of the escalating health risks posed by climate change, with multiple indicators reaching alarming levels. The implications of inaction are dire, thus necessitating immediate and collaborative efforts from individuals, governments, and organizations worldwide to mitigate these threats. While there are signs of progress, the report emphasizes that the time for comprehensive action is now, as lives depend on it.
Original Source: jen.jiji.com
