2023-11-18 17:37:00
This exceptional heatwave raises major health issues, recently highlighted in the latest annual report of the “Lancet Countdown”,an initiative from the prestigious medical journal The Lancet focusing on implications of climate change on health (source 1).
The report highlights a significant increase in heat-related mortality, recording an 85% increase among people aged over 65 over the last two decades. In addition to the health consequences, the heat wave also causes drop in productivity, mainly among agricultural workers, causing considerable economic losses, estimated at $863 billion in 2022 globally.
The 2023 edition of the Lancet highlights not only the growing health impacts of climate change but also the growing commitment of the health sector in the fight once morest this global crisis. A clear sign of this mobilization is the first day dedicated to health planned for the next COP28, marking formal recognition of the close relationship between climate and public health.
Multiple implications
Beyond extreme phenomena, the report highlights the multiple facets of the impact of climate change on global health. For example, the potential for transmission of diseases such as dengue has increased by around 28% since the 1950s. In addition, the geographic distribution of diseases like malaria has evolved, with the mosquito carrier now present in regions formerly inaccessible due to too cold temperatures. Climate change also influences multiplication of allergens, exacerbating certain less serious health problems.
However, glimmers of hope are emerging from the sector of atmospheric pollution. Since 2005, mortality due to this form of pollution has increased. drop of 18%, mainly attributable to reduced coal consumption. However, despite this progress, Fossil fuels remain the main source of nearly 85% of the primary energy produced each day on a global scale.
The Lancet report also highlights the importance of “co-benefits”. Actions to mitigate climate change, such as reducing air pollution, have tangible health benefits. François Gemenne, member of the IPCC, highlights this crucial notion, emphasizing that individual actions in favor of the climate can also improve the quality of life and reduce energy costs.
In a context where the effects of climate change often manifest themselves in the long term and at a distance, highlighting these co-benefits might be the key to motivating immediate and lasting individual actions. This highlights the need to communicate more regarding the concrete benefits that individuals can obtain from their actions in favor of the climate, thus offering positive incentives in the face of an issue often presented in a pessimistic manner.
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