As the world prepares for the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, leading health and climate scientists are sounding the alarm on the urgent need to address the health impacts of climate change. Marina Romanello, executive director of the Lancet Countdown, emphasizes that our continued reliance on fossil fuels is not only driving global temperatures to record levels but is also causing a widespread health crisis.
“The interlinked climate calamities of the past few years—extreme weather events, food insecurity, water scarcity, and worsening air pollution—are a direct result of greenhouse gas emissions,” Romanello notes. “But the adverse effects we are experiencing today could be just a preview of the catastrophes that await us.”
According to the latest Lancet Countdown report on climate change and health, increasing heatwaves and droughts have exposed 127 million more people to moderate or severe food insecurity in 2021 compared to the 1981–2010 average. Additionally, air pollution from burning dirty fuels results in 1.9 million premature deaths annually, and vector-borne diseases like dengue fever are spreading to new regions.
Despite these alarming findings, global leaders have yet to fully acknowledge the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels. A draft statement on climate change and health for COP28 reportedly omits any reference to phasing out fossil fuels, raising concerns among health experts and climate activists.
With many countries and companies backtracking on their climate commitments, the world is currently on track for a temperature increase of nearly 3 degrees Celsius by 2100—far exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius target set by the Paris Agreement. Even a rise of just under 2 degrees Celsius could lead to a 370% increase in annual heat-related deaths by mid-century.
The consequences are particularly severe for regions that have contributed least to climate change, including many parts of Asia. These areas often bear the brunt of climate-related health risks, such as extreme temperatures, food shortages, and loss of livelihoods.
Romanello warns that time is running out. “As climate change worsens, its effects on our physical and mental health are no longer hypothetical. We must act now to prevent a global health catastrophe.”
COP28 presents a critical opportunity for world leaders to commit to phasing out fossil fuels and to implement policies that mitigate the health impacts of climate change. Without decisive action, the health of billions of people—and the ecosystems they depend on—will continue to be at risk.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
