The climate crisis has become a pressing public health issue. A recent report reveals that the cost of doing nothing isn’t just financial—it’s measured in lives lost. Each year, extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and the spread of diseases linked to climate change claim countless lives. The ongoing pollution from fossil fuels exacerbates health problems around the globe.
On average, over half a million people die each year from heat-related issues. The situation is worsening as global temperatures rise. Since the 1990s, heat-related deaths have increased by 23%. Infants and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, facing a record number of dangerous heat days.
Additionally, smoke from wildfires was linked to 154,000 deaths globally in 2024, primarily due to harmful particles known as PM2.5. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing severe health issues.
Dr. Marina Romanello from University College London emphasizes the need to translate climate risk data into effective health policy. Not only does extreme heat put immediate pressure on our bodies, but it also increases the risk of severe long-term conditions like heart disease and heatstroke. In fact, chronic exposure to such conditions leads to higher cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, making communities prone to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.
According to studies from the National Institutes of Health, exposure to constant environmental change can worsen mental health. Young people, in particular, are showing high levels of eco-anxiety as they worry about their future in the face of changing climates.
The situation becomes more dire when considering pollution. In 2022, fossil fuel burning accounted for an estimated 2.52 million deaths, while indoor pollution from cooking fuels added another 2.3 million. Despite these horrific statistics, governments dished out $956 billion in fossil fuel subsidies in 2023, undermining the push for clean energy.
On a brighter note, the transition from coal to renewable energy has saved about 160,000 lives annually between 2010 and 2022. In 2022, renewed energy sources supplied 12% of the world’s electricity, proving that a clean energy shift not only helps the planet but also contributes to better health.
However, not everyone benefits equally. In low-income countries, access to clean energy remains scarce, leaving many dependent on biomass for cooking. This disparity increases health risks, especially during heatwaves and disasters. Adaptation efforts, if adequately funded, can reduce these risks significantly.
Dr. Romanello states that swiftly phasing out fossil fuels is crucial to slowing climate change and protecting lives. To mitigate health risks, health systems must implement strategies like heat action plans, improve ventilation, and educate the public about climate-related health challenges. Cleaner cooking options alone could save millions from health complications linked to smoke exposure.
Moreover, dietary changes can also make a difference. Healthier food systems not only reduce pollution and deforestation but also lessen the risks of diseases like diabetes and heart conditions.
While estimates of deaths related to climate change can be uncertain, they highlight an urgent need for action. Local governments are increasingly taking the initiative, conducting risk assessments, and enhancing hospital preparedness. Yet, funding for these adaptations still lags behind what is necessary.
In summary, the public health impacts of climate change are severe and growing. It’s time for everyone to recognize the urgency of this issue. The paper detailing these findings is published in The Lancet.
India
Live Updates: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 2nd T20I – Shafali Verma’s 69 Drives India to Dominant Victory!