A recent report by the Lancet Countdown has highlighted the catastrophic impact of the climate crisis, revealing record levels of heat-related deaths, rising food insecurity, and the spread of infectious diseases.
This landmark report underscores the urgent need for action to address the health risks associated with climate change.
The Lancet Countdown’s ninth report on climate change and health emphasizes that 2023 has set unprecedented records for extreme heat events, with devastating consequences for global health.
Marina Romanello, executive director of the Lancet Countdown at University College London, stated, “This year’s report reveals the most concerning findings yet,” indicating that climate change poses an immediate threat to health worldwide.
Extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves and wildfires, have led to a staggering increase in health risks. In 2023 alone, the report notes, extreme drought affected 48% of the global land area, resulting in an additional 50 days of extreme temperatures compared to previous years.
As a consequence, 151 million more people are facing moderate to severe food insecurity, significantly heightening their risk of malnutrition and other health issues.
One of the most alarming statistics from the report is the 167% increase in heat-related deaths among individuals aged 65 and older compared to the 1990s. This dramatic rise highlights the vulnerability of older populations to climate-related health threats. The report also indicates that high temperatures have led to 6% more hours of lost sleep in 2023 than the average from 1986 to 2005, further exacerbating physical and mental health problems.
The report details how climate change has facilitated the spread of life-threatening diseases such as dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus. As temperatures rise, these diseases are infiltrating new regions, increasing the risk of outbreaks and further straining public health systems.
Despite these alarming trends, the report criticizes ongoing government and corporate investments in fossil fuels, which have resulted in record-high global carbon dioxide emissions. In 2023, emissions reached 1.1% higher than the previous year, with fossil fuels accounting for 80.3% of the global energy mix—the highest level in a decade.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, warned that the climate crisis constitutes a significant health emergency.
He stressed that “the climate crisis is a health crisis,” as the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters rise.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also called for immediate action to combat climate inaction, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce emissions and protect vulnerable populations from climate extremes.
The report highlights that temperate countries are not immune to the consequences of climate change. For instance, in the UK, heat-related deaths increased by nine per 100,000 inhabitants from 2013 to 2022, with 8.5 million potential working hours lost in 2023 due to heat exposure.
Dr. Lea Berrang Ford from the UK Health Security Agency emphasized that climate change impacts are already being felt both domestically and globally. She pointed out the need for “win-win solutions” that can mitigate climate change while simultaneously improving public health.
Experts, including Dr. Josh Foster of King’s College London, warn that without immediate action to address climate change, society could face more frequent mass mortality events, particularly among older populations. The alarming trends outlined in this report serve as a call to action for governments and individuals alike to prioritize climate health and implement sustainable practices.
