Tuesday, February 18, 2025
spot_img
HomeEnvironmentLatest Lancet Report: World moves closer to climate catastrophe

Latest Lancet Report: World moves closer to climate catastrophe

Despite initial optimism from the 2015 Paris Agreement, the world is now perilously close to exceeding its climate goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The average annual surface temperature reached a historic peak of 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels in 2023, and new highs followed in 2024, resulting in deadly climatic extremes threatening lives and livelihoods worldwide.

The Lancet Countdown initiative was launched the same year the Paris Agreement went into effect, aiming to track the health repercussions of climate change. With the backing of Wellcome funding, over 300 researchers and health professionals collaborate annually to assess the links between health and climate at global, regional, and national levels.

The 2024 Lancet Countdown report released on October 30, featuring contributions from 122 experts at UN agencies and academic institutions, reveals alarming trends after eight years of scrutiny.

Record-breaking threats

The data show record-breaking threats to global health; out of 15 monitored climate-related health indicators, 10 have hit concerning new peaks.

Notably, heat-related deaths among individuals over 65 have skyrocketed by 167 per cent since the 1990s, far exceeding the expected increase without climate change. Furthermore, 2023 saw record levels of heat exposure impacting outdoor activities and reducing sleep quality, leading to negative consequences for both physical and mental well-being.

Global risks from extreme weather events are escalating, with increases in severe precipitation events and droughts impacting 61 per cent and 48 per cent of the global land area, respectively. The current climate crisis is associated with food insecurity, affecting 151 million more people than in prior decades, largely due to drought and heat waves.

In addition, rising temperatures and changing weather patterns have amplified the prevalence of sand and dust storms, contributing to increased exposure to hazardous air pollution. Infectious diseases like dengue and malaria are spreading to new regions due to these climate shifts.

The economic impact of climate change is profound. Annual losses from severe weather events surged by 23 per cent between 2010 and 2023, equating to $227 billion, a staggering sum that exceeds GDP for 60 per cent of countries globally. Moreover, labour productivity is suffering, with unprecedented declines in labour hours due to heat exposure resulting in vast income losses.

Adaptation insufficient

Adaptation to these changes remains insufficient; only 68 per cent of nations have implemented robust health emergency systems, and many have not established early warning systems for climate-related health risks. Financial limitations hinder effective adaptation, with many cities reporting a lack of resources for climate and health risk assessments.

While investments in renewable energy are on the rise, global CO2 emissions from energy sources have reached record levels. The fossil fuel industry continues to grow, further derailing efforts to meet climate targets, as millions remain without access to electricity. Reliance on fossil fuels resulted in approximately 5.63 million deaths in 2021 related to air pollution, indicating the dire health implications of an unsustainable energy economy.

Recent climate negotiations have yielded some positive outcomes. As of late 2023, 50 countries conducted assessments of their health vulnerabilities, a significant increase from just 11 the previous year. Furthermore, a health-focused commitment was made at the recent COP28 conference, underscoring the urgency of integrating health priorities into climate policies.

In conclusion, with climate change reaching unprecedented levels and the emissions trajectory rising, immediate and coordinated action from all societal sectors is required to avoid severe consequences for health and overall human development.

WFL
WFLhttp://wholefoodliving.life
Whole Food Living reviews and selects material from a wide variety of international sources. Our primary focus covers food, health and environment. We publish fact checked official announcements made as the result of formal studies conducted by Universities, respected health care organisations, journals, and scientists around the globe.
RELATED ARTICLES

Sign up to our newsletter

For the latest in news, recipes and alerts be sure to sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date.

Most Popular

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates on plant-based evidence, recipes and opinions straight to your mailbox. 

You have Successfully Subscribed!