Rising Health Risks Due to Climate Change: Insights from the 2024 Lancet Countdown Report
The upcoming 2024 Lancet Countdown report has identified an increase in health risks due to climate change, linking rising temperatures, extreme weather, deforestation, and fossil fuel pollution to deteriorating health outcomes. This report comes as the global community prepares for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, following significant health declarations made at COP28.
A recent study has indicated an alarming rise in health risks associated with climate change, revealing that individuals worldwide are facing an increase in the number of days with hazardous temperatures. Furthermore, extreme weather conditions, deforestation, and air pollution resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas are increasingly threatening public health. Marina Romanello, the Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown report, emphasized the gravity of these issues by stating, “The health impacts of climate change come associated with an enormous price tag. Just in terms of the labor capacity loss, we have reached record levels of labor capacity loss.” The 2024 Lancet Countdown report, which is released annually in connection with the United Nations climate negotiations, highlights these critical health implications as the global community gears up for COP29, scheduled to take place from November 11 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The previous year’s COP28 in Dubai resulted in the UAE Declaration on Climate and Health, which garnered the endorsement of over 150 nations, underscoring the increasing recognition of health concerns linked to climate change on a global scale.
The connection between climate change and public health is becoming increasingly apparent. Reports such as the Lancet Countdown highlight the direct and indirect health influences stemming from climate-related factors. These influences range from rising temperatures leading to heat-related illnesses to increased incidence of diseases and respiratory issues due to air pollution. The urgency of addressing climate change through international agreements has been acknowledged in various forums, including COP meetings, further illustrating the pressing need to integrate health considerations into climate action policies.
The findings from the 2024 Lancet Countdown report reveal a concerning trend of deteriorating health outcomes tied to climate change, emphasizing the critical intersection of environmental and public health. With events such as COP29 on the horizon and initiatives like the UAE Declaration on Climate and Health reflecting a collective commitment, it is imperative for nations to prioritize health in their climate strategies to mitigate ongoing threats and enhance labor capacity.
Original Source: en.armradio.am
