[WORLD] The eighth Lancet Countdown on health and climate change, a comprehensive study developed by 122 experts from various organizations including the World Health Organization, has revealed disturbing trends in climate-related health impacts. Out of 15 indicators tracked over the past eight years, 10 have reached "concerning new records," signaling a rapidly deteriorating situation for global health.
The Escalating Health Crisis
Record-Breaking Heat and Its Consequences
The most alarming trend highlighted in the report is the dramatic increase in heat-related deaths among the elderly. Since the 1990s, the number of heat-related fatalities in individuals over 65 has surged by a staggering 167%. This statistic underscores the vulnerability of older populations to extreme temperatures and the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect this demographic.
Marina Romanello, executive director of the Lancet Countdown, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "The report showed there are record threats to the health and survival of people in every country, to levels we have never seen before". This stark warning highlights the global nature of the crisis, affecting communities across all regions and socioeconomic levels.
The Spread of Infectious Diseases
Rising temperatures have expanded the habitable range for disease-carrying mosquitoes, leading to a concerning increase in vector-borne illnesses. In 2023, a record-breaking five million cases of dengue were reported worldwide. This surge in infectious diseases poses a significant challenge to public health systems, particularly in regions already struggling with limited resources and infrastructure.
Environmental Degradation and Carbon Capture
The report also highlights the alarming loss of global tree cover, with approximately 5% destroyed between 2016 and 2022. This deforestation not only contributes to the loss of biodiversity but also reduces the Earth's capacity to capture carbon dioxide, exacerbating the climate crisis and its associated health impacts.
The Role of Industry and Government
Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Emissions
Despite growing awareness of the climate crisis, the report reveals that many countries have increased subsidies for fossil fuels in response to soaring energy prices following geopolitical events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, fossil fuel subsidies amounted to a staggering US$1.4 trillion (RM6.1 trillion). This figure dwarfs investments in clean energy transitions, highlighting the misalignment between climate goals and economic policies.
Romanello criticized this approach, stating that these subsidies are "vastly more than any source of commitments to enable a transition to a healthier future". The continued support for fossil fuels not only undermines efforts to combat climate change but also perpetuates the health risks associated with air pollution and environmental degradation.
Corporate Responsibility and Emissions
Large oil and gas companies have come under scrutiny for their role in exacerbating the climate crisis. Despite record profits, many of these corporations have increased fossil fuel production since last year. This trend runs counter to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources.
Signs of Progress Amidst the Crisis
While the overall picture painted by the Lancet Countdown report is bleak, there are some encouraging signs of progress. Deaths from fossil fuel-related air pollution have decreased by nearly 7% between 2016 and 2021, falling to 2.1 million. This reduction is primarily attributed to efforts to curb pollution from coal burning, demonstrating the positive impact of targeted environmental policies.
Additionally, the share of clean renewables used in electricity generation has nearly doubled over the same period, reaching 10.5%. This growth in renewable energy adoption is a crucial step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the health impacts of climate change.
The Path Forward: Urgent Action Required
The Lancet Countdown report serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness between climate change and human health. As Romanello warns, "If action is not taken today, the future will be very dangerous". The report's findings underscore the need for immediate and comprehensive action at all levels of society.
Individual Action
While systemic changes are crucial, individuals can also play a role in mitigating climate change and its health impacts. Romanello advises adopting climate-friendly diets, choosing sustainable transportation options, supporting financial institutions that divest from fossil fuels, and voting for politicians committed to strong climate action.
Policy Recommendations
The upcoming United Nations COP29 talks in Azerbaijan present a critical opportunity to address the health dimensions of climate change. The report calls for increased attention to health considerations in climate negotiations and national climate plans. Policymakers must prioritize the integration of health metrics into climate policies and ensure that public health systems are adequately prepared to face the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Healthcare System Preparedness
As climate-related health threats intensify, healthcare systems worldwide must adapt to meet the growing demand for services. This includes strengthening early warning systems for extreme weather events, improving disease surveillance, and developing targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.
The 2024 Lancet Countdown report serves as a wake-up call to the global community. The record-breaking health threats posed by climate change demand an unprecedented response from governments, industries, and individuals. As Romanello poignantly states, "There is really no more time to waste – I know we have been saying this for many years – but what we are seeing is that the wasted time has been paid in lives".
The time for incremental changes has passed. Bold, transformative action is required to protect public health and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. By addressing the root causes of climate change and strengthening our resilience to its impacts, we can work towards a healthier, more equitable world for all.
As we approach critical climate negotiations and policy decisions, it is imperative that health considerations take center stage. The human cost of inaction is too high to ignore. By recognizing the inextricable link between climate change and human health, we can forge a path towards a more sustainable and resilient future, where the well-being of both people and planet are prioritized.
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