Climate Change: An Escalating Threat to Global Health

A new report reveals that climate change is creating unprecedented health threats globally, with record numbers of extreme weather events, heat-related deaths in the elderly, and increased food insecurity due to droughts and floods. The report emphasizes the urgency of immediate action and highlights both the challenges posed by fossil fuels and some progress achieved in renewable energy use.

A recent major report highlights the escalating threats that climate change poses to human health, noting unprecedented challenges impacting individuals globally. This report was released amidst extreme weather events that characterize 2023 as potentially the hottest year on record. Developed by the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change and supported by 122 experts, including members from the World Health Organization, the findings reveal alarming statistics: out of 15 monitored indicators over the past eight years, ten have reached alarming levels. Key issues include the rise in extreme weather events, increased heat-related fatalities among the elderly, a surge in infectious diseases, and food insecurity resulting from droughts and floods affecting agricultural output. Marina Romanello, the executive director of the Lancet Countdown, emphasized the unprecedented nature of these threats to global health. Since the 1990s, deaths among individuals over 65 due to heat have escalated by 167 percent. Additionally, climate change has expanded the habitats of disease-carrying mosquitoes, contributing to record-high dengue fever cases, which surpassed five million last year. Between 2016 and 2022, around five percent of the planet’s tree cover was lost, which diminishes the Earth’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide emissions. The report critiqued oil and gas companies, along with several governments, for continuing to exacerbate climate change. The World Meteorological Organization reported an increase in global emissions of major greenhouse gases for the previous year, contrasting starkly with a push toward sustainable energy solutions. Despite the record profits reported by major fossil fuel companies and the substantial subsidies allocated for fossil fuels in response to the 2022 crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources show promise. Although challenges persist, the report notes positive trends, such as a nearly seven percent decline in deaths due to fossil fuel-related air pollution and a significant increase in the use of renewable energy for electricity generation. Romanello pointed out that health considerations are gaining traction in climate negotiations. Nevertheless, she urged immediate action to avert a dangerous future, stating unequivocally, “There is really no more time to waste.” Romanello suggested practical steps for individuals, including adopting climate-friendly diets, minimizing travel that relies on fossil fuels, supporting banks that prioritize sustainable investments, and promoting leadership committed to addressing climate change.

Climate change represents a critical global challenge that endangers human health through various pathways, including extreme weather, loss of biodiversity, and food insecurity. The health implications are profound and are exacerbated by the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, floods, and disease outbreaks linked to changing climatic conditions. This report is particularly timely given the current geopolitical climate, with significant global talks on climate action scheduled and ongoing debates regarding governmental responses to climate change.

In summary, the recent report underscores the urgent and record-level threats posed by climate change to global health. It highlights alarming trends in mortality, disease spread, and environmental degradation, while also pointing to some hopeful advancements in addressing these issues. The call to action from experts is clear: immediate and comprehensive measures are essential to prevent further loss of life and ensure healthier futures for all populations.

Original Source: jen.jiji.com