The Lancet Countdown’s ninth report on health and the climate breakdown reveals that heat-related deaths, food insecurity, and the spread of infectious diseases caused by the climate crisis have reached record levels. Dr. Marina Romanello, the executive director of the Lancet Countdown at University College London, warned that the findings are concerning and highlight the urgent need for action.
In 2023, extreme drought affected nearly half of the global land area, and people experienced 50 more days of health-threatening temperatures due to the climate crisis. This led to 151 million more people facing moderate or severe food insecurity, putting them at risk of malnutrition and other health issues. Heat-related deaths among people over 65 increased by 167% compared to the 1990s, highlighting the devastating impact of rising temperatures.
The report also found that hotter and drier weather conditions contributed to a 31% increase in the number of people exposed to dangerously high particulate matter concentrations. Diseases like dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus are spreading into new areas due to higher temperatures, posing a significant threat to public health. Additionally, poor sleep due to high temperatures had a negative impact on both physical and mental health.
Despite these alarming findings, governments and companies continue to invest in fossil fuels, leading to record-high greenhouse gas emissions and increased tree loss. Global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions reached an all-time high in 2023, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the climate crisis. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, highlighted that the climate crisis is a health crisis with far-reaching implications for people worldwide.
António Guterres, the United Nations secretary general, stressed the importance of reducing emissions, protecting communities from climate extremes, and ending our reliance on fossil fuels to create a healthier future for all. The report also highlighted the impact of the climate crisis on temperate countries like the UK, where heat-related deaths and lost working hours due to heat exposure have increased significantly.
Dr. Lea Berrang Ford from the UK Health Security Agency emphasized that the health impacts of climate change are already being felt and will continue to worsen without immediate action. Dr. Josh Foster from King’s College London warned that if current trends continue, we can expect to see more frequent mass mortality events, particularly affecting older populations.
Overall, the report underscores the urgent need for decisive action to address the health threats posed by the climate crisis. It is clear that climate change is not a distant threat but an immediate risk to public health that requires a concerted global effort to mitigate its impact and protect vulnerable populations.
