A new report by a group of doctors and health experts warns that climate change, driven by fossil fuel emissions, is raising temperatures to dangerous new levels and worsening drought and food security challenges.
Record temperatures in 2023, the hottest year on record, indicate that the average person experienced 50 more days of extreme heat compared to what would have occurred without climate change, according to the Lancet Countdown report. This annual report draws on research from numerous experts, academic institutions, and UN agencies, including the World Health Organization.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable, with heat-related deaths among those over 65 reaching levels 167% higher than in the 1990s. Researchers calculate that without climate change there would have been a rise of only 65% in these deaths since that decade.
“Year after year, climate-related deaths continue to increase,” stated Marina Bellin Romanello, Executive Director of Lancet Countdown. “Heat not only affects mortality rates but also exacerbates heat-related illnesses and health issues.”
Those engaging in outdoor activities face heightened risks, and businesses have limited capacity to operate in open-air environments.
The report also highlights that climate change is destabilising food security. Up to 48% of global land experienced severe drought last year, with an estimated 151 million additional people at risk of food insecurity due to these conditions compared to the years from 1981 to 2010.
Heavy rains also impacted nearly 60% of land areas, triggering floods that increased water contamination risks and the spread of infectious diseases.
The report’s authors urge the UN Climate Summit (COP 29) to prioritise climate funding for public health. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on countries to “cure the ailment of climate inaction” by reducing fossil fuel use and emissions, aiming for a “fairer, safer, and healthier future for all.”
