A new Lancet Countdown report reveals a substantial rise in heat-related deaths and diseases exacerbated by climate change, reporting that 2023 is the hottest year on record with people facing 50 additional dangerous temperature days. The elderly are particularly vulnerable, seeing significant increases in heat-related fatalities. Additionally, economic impacts are severe, with hundreds of billions lost due to heat-related labor hours. The report calls for urgent public health funding at the upcoming COP29 summit to address these challenges.
A report by the Lancet Countdown, composed of contributions from 122 health experts including officials from the World Health Organization, has revealed alarming increases in heat-related deaths and diseases attributable to climate change. It emphasized that during 2023, projected to be the hottest year recorded, the average person endured an additional 50 days characterized by dangerous temperatures due to climate shifts. The report highlights that the repercussions of climate change extend beyond losses in human health; they also encompass significant socioeconomic impacts, with extreme heat last year costing an estimated 512 billion potential labor hours, equating to substantial economic losses. The elderly population is identified as particularly at risk, with heat-related fatalities in individuals over 65 soaring to 167 percent higher than in the 1990s. Furthermore, the alarming rise in extreme weather events, including heat, droughts, and flooding, has adversely affected food security, exacerbating the plight of approximately 151 million more individuals who experience food insecurity compared to historical benchmarks. In a poignant call to action, the authors assert the necessity for the upcoming COP29 climate summit to prioritize funding towards public health initiatives. While recognizing the advancements in reducing air pollution and increasing renewable energy usage, the report firmly asserts that no individual or economic system can remain unaffected by the health threats posed by climate change.
The report addresses the serious health associated risks amplified by climate change, highlighting alarming trends such as increased days of extreme heat, corresponding fatalities, and the rise in infectious diseases. By detailing the significant rise in mortality rates among the elderly and economic losses due to labor hour reductions, the authors illustrate the multi-faceted impact of climate change on both health and economics. It also critiques specific policies, particularly subsidies supporting fossil fuel production, that counteract efforts to mitigate the climate crisis. This context emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced action from global leaders at the upcoming UN climate summit.
This report serves as a critical alert regarding the escalating health and economic dangers associated with climate change. With heat-related illnesses and fatalities on the rise, particularly among vulnerable populations, and the significant impacts on food security, there is an urgent need for proactive measures. The upcoming COP29 summit presents a vital opportunity to prioritize public health funding and establish more effective climate policies to safeguard global well-being and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
