Climate Change Poses Unprecedented Health Risks Globally, Warns New Report
A new Lancet Countdown report reveals that climate change is causing record health threats globally, including increased mortality from extreme heat and the spread of infectious diseases. The report emphasizes that nearly half the world’s land is experiencing severe drought and urges governments to redirect funds from fossil fuels to promote health and sustainable energy solutions.
A recent report from esteemed global health experts reveals that climate change is posing significant risks to public health across the globe. The Lancet Countdown report, published on Wednesday, indicates that record temperatures are leading to increased mortality rates and the proliferation of infectious diseases, impacting individuals in all nations. This comprehensive analysis, involving 122 leading experts, highlights alarming statistics including heat-related fatalities, rising food insecurity, and escalating disease transmission linked to climate alterations. Dr. Marina Romanello, the report’s executive director at University College London, states, “Once again, last year broke climate change records, with extreme heatwaves, deadly weather events, and devastating wildfires affecting people around the world.” She emphasizes that the consequences of climate change represent an essential health concern that is not confined to any one demographic or economy. The report notes a particularly concerning rise in deaths among the elderly, aged 65 and over, due to extreme heat exposure, along with a marked decline in outdoor work capacity for many individuals due to health risks associated with increased temperatures. The findings reveal that in 2023, individuals experienced an average of 50 more days of hazardous temperatures than would have occurred absent climate change. Additionally, the intensification of heatwaves and droughts resulted in 151 million more people facing moderate to severe food insecurity across 124 countries in 2022. Dr. Romanello comments, “Almost 50 percent of the global land area is now affected by extreme droughts. And we’ve seen what this looks like in terms of the threats to people’s health,” referring to the acute hunger crisis in regions such as Somalia exacerbated by prolonged drought conditions. In light of the upcoming COP29 climate summit in November, the report’s authors advocate for governments to redirect the trillions of dollars currently allocated to fossil fuel exploitation towards initiatives that safeguard public health and welfare. Dr. Romanello asserts, “There are resources that could be used to strengthen our health systems to support vulnerable communities. Those are resources that should not be going to perpetuating the use, the expansion of fossil fuels.” She encourages the reallocation of these funds toward enhancing access to sustainable and renewable energy, particularly for the 700 million individuals worldwide who currently lack such resources. The expert authors contend that these revelations necessitate a global shift towards health-centric financial policies, aiming to transition away from fossil fuel dependency towards a future characterized by zero emissions. This transition is projected to yield immediate benefits for both health and economic stability through enhanced energy access, cleaner environmental conditions, nutritious food systems, and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities.
The issue of climate change is increasingly acknowledged as a severe and urgent challenge facing global public health. Rising temperatures and severe weather conditions not only endanger ecosystems but also directly threaten human health. The Lancet Countdown report is an important undertaking that aggregates findings from a large team of experts to assess the health impacts associated with climate change. It serves as a crucial tool for informing public policy and driving action towards mitigating these adverse effects, particularly in conjunction with international climate negotiations such as COP29.
The findings presented in the Lancet Countdown report starkly illustrate the urgent need for action against climate change, particularly regarding its health implications. The increase in heat-related deaths, the growing prevalence of food insecurity, and the broader health risks posed by extreme weather call for immediate investment in health systems and a transition towards a sustainable energy economy. The expertise of global health authorities is critical in guiding policy reforms that prioritize human well-being alongside environmental sustainability.
Original Source: www.africanews.com
