New Lancet Report Warns of Escalating Health Risks from Climate Change
Alarming new findings from The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report warn of escalating health risks due to climate change. Released ahead of COP28, the report urges a global shift to clean energy to mitigate these threats.
The report, authored by 114 experts and funded by the Wellcome Trust, highlights that further fossil fuel expansion endangers the health and wellbeing of every person worldwide, according to Dr. Renee Salas, one of its authors. Climate change accelerates the spread of life-threatening infectious diseases like Vibrio bacteria, putting 1.4 billion people at risk of diarrheal disease, severe wound infections, and sepsis.
Extreme heat and weather conditions also pose threats. In 2021, frequent heat waves and droughts led to 127 million more people experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity worldwide compared to the average between 1981 and 2010. Without significant cuts to fossil fuel use, heat-related deaths could increase 4.7-fold between 2023 and 2050. Air pollution from fossil fuels exacerbates numerous health conditions, including heart and lung disease, neurologic and kidney conditions, mental health disorders, allergies, infectious diseases, pregnancy complications, and poor birth outcomes.
The Lancet Countdown report underscores the urgent need for global commitment to transition to clean energy and energy efficiency. This transition is vital to mitigate climate change impacts on health and protect the wellbeing of current and future generations. The report serves as a stark reminder ahead of COP28 in Dubai, urging decisive action to tackle the climate crisis.
