The Lancet’s report reveals that India is experiencing record-breaking health impacts due to climate change, ranking among the most affected nations globally. Key findings include increased exposure to extreme heat, significant economic losses due to labor productivity decline, and worsened food insecurity. The report advocates for redirecting fossil fuel investments to climate resilience and health protection, highlighting urgent action needed to combat these escalating threats.
A recent report by The Lancet reveals alarming health impacts in India due to climate change, highlighting that the country is among the most affected globally. The report, titled “Countdown on Health and Climate Change,” indicates that record levels of climate-related health threats are being observed worldwide, with critical health indicators reaching new highs. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, emphasized, “The climate crisis is a health crisis. As the planet heats up, the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters increase, leaving no region untouched.” This sentiment is echoed by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who stated, “Record-high emissions are posing record-breaking threats to our health. We must cure the sickness of climate inaction — by slashing emissions, protecting people from climate extremes, and ending our fossil fuel addiction.” In 2023, the report indicates that individuals faced an average of 50 additional days of health-threatening temperatures due to climate change compared to expected levels without its influence. Last year alone, extreme drought impacted 48 percent of global land, marking the second-highest extent recorded. The escalating frequency of heatwaves and drought is now contributing to an additional 151 million individuals suffering from moderate to severe food insecurity annually. Furthermore, the report points out how climate action funding remains insufficient, with fossil fuel investments receiving 36.6 percent of global energy spending in 2023. It was reported that in 2022, 72 out of 86 analyzed countries (84 percent) provided a record US$1.4 trillion in fossil fuel subsidies, overshadowing climate action commitments made at recent international conferences. India faces particularly severe repercussions from climate change, with the nation experiencing extreme heatwaves. In 2023, Indians encountered more than 2,400 hours, or 100 days, where even light outdoor activities posed a risk of heat stress. The report indicates that both infants and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, with a notable increase in their exposure to heatwave days since the 1990s. The economic ramifications are equally concerning, with potential losses equating to USD 141 billion due to decreased labor productivity related to heat exposure in 2023. Coastal regions in India, vital due to their extensive coastline, are also endangered by rising sea levels, threatening around 18.1 million residents living in areas less than one meter above sea level. Experts assert that if India aims for rapid development, it must prioritize investments in climate resilience to mitigate the impacts of climate change on health. Moreover, the report highlights that climate change has significantly altered the dynamics of infectious diseases, with conditions favorable for malaria and dengue spreading to higher altitudes and broader geographic ranges, exacerbating public health challenges. Ultimately, the findings from The Lancet’s report underscore the urgent need for India and the international community to address the profound health risks associated with climate change and invest in strategies to build resilience against these challenges.
The Lancet’s report published on October 30, 2023, presents critical findings concerning the detrimental health impacts triggered by climate change, particularly noting India’s vulnerability. This report outlines alarming statistics related to rising temperatures, increased frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, reduced labor capacity, and expansive food insecurity due to climatic shifts. As the effects of climate change persist and amplify, it becomes increasingly essential for nations, especially those like India with heightened exposure to such risks, to consider the broader implications on public health and economic stability. The report also reveals the alarming trend of continued investment in fossil fuels despite the clear need for climate action and funding for health-related interventions.
In conclusion, the findings from The Lancet’s report highlight the profound health and economic repercussions of climate change in India, underlining the necessity for immediate and significant action. With alarming increases in heat exposure, loss of labor productivity, and threats to food security, it is imperative for both national and international stakeholders to prioritize health-focused climate strategies. The urgent call for redirecting fossil fuel investment towards sustainable health solutions is critical for mitigating the ongoing effects of climate change and safeguarding public health in India and beyond.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
