Record-Breaking Health Impacts of Climate Change in India:…

A new report by The Lancet indicates that climate change is triggering record-breaking health impacts globally, with India as a key affected nation. The report reveals alarming data, including severe heat exposure, economic losses, and increased food insecurity, emphasizing the urgent need for investment in climate resilience and health protection. The study also highlights the spread of climate-sensitive diseases as a significant public health challenge.

A recent report by The Lancet highlights the alarming health impacts of climate change, indicating that India has experienced unprecedented effects over the past decade. Released on October 30, the report titled “Countdown on Health and Climate Change” reveals a record number of health threats attributed to climatic alterations, with India being particularly susceptible. The findings show that climate-related extremities have surged globally, with 10 out of 15 tracked indicators reaching new highs. According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, the statement reflects a dire reality: “The climate crisis is a health crisis. As the planet heats up, the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters increase, leaving no region untouched.” Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, echoed these sentiments, stating: “Record-high emissions are posing record-breaking threats to our health. We must cure the sickness of climate inaction — by slashing emissions, protecting people from climate extremes, and ending our fossil fuel addiction.” The report underscores that in 2023, individuals encountered an unprecedented average of 50 additional days of health-threatening temperatures compared to what would have been expected without climate change. Moreover, extreme drought has affected 48 percent of global land area, marking the second highest level recorded. It also points out a connection between increased heatwaves and droughts, resulting in 151 million more people living with moderate to severe food insecurity annually compared to data from 1981 to 2010. The report called for redirecting trillions currently invested in fossil fuels towards enhancing public health and livelihoods. India’s situation is particularly alarming, with a noted increase in heat exposure. The report reveals that in 2023, individuals faced over 2,400 hours (about 100 days) of heat exposure when performing light outdoor activities, contributing to significant economic losses with an estimated 181 billion potential work hours lost due to heat exposure and an income loss of USD 141 billion in the same year. India’s coastal regions are also at risk from rising sea levels, threatening 18.1 million individuals living below one meter above sea level. Prominent coastal areas such as Sundarbans and Tamil Nadu are highlighted as notably vulnerable, necessitating urgent action. Research shows that climate change significantly influences migration patterns, with many families in the Sundarbans being part of such movements due to climatic pressures. The report further notes that climate change has altered the spread of infectious diseases in India, with malaria expanding to higher altitudes and dengue fever becoming more prevalent nationwide. This poses additional challenges to public health systems already strained by climatic conditions. In light of these findings, significant investments toward climate resilience are necessary for India’s future development as described by Sanjay Vashist, the director of Climate Action Network South Asia, emphasizing the need to address health impacts in the context of sustainable growth.

Over the last decade, climate change has increasingly posed severe health risks on a global scale, impacting various nations, particularly India. The Lancet’s report indicates a staggering rise in health indicators linked to climate disaster, emphasizing the direct relationships between climatic events and health conditions. With extreme temperatures and unprecedented drought affecting millions, the urgency for climate action cannot be overstated. As the world’s climate continues to change, health systems face unprecedented challenges, underscoring the significance of strategic investment in combating these challenges and enhancing resilience.

The Lancet report presents a compelling case regarding the severe implications of climate change for public health, with India exemplifying the detrimental effects of heightened temperatures, food insecurity, and the spread of diseases. The convergence of health and climate crises necessitates an urgent global response, particularly in redirecting investments to bolster resilience amidst rising threats. If India aims for sustainable development, addressing these health impacts and investing in climate resilience is paramount.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in