Rising Temperatures, Rising Risks: Climate Change's Toll on Health

A recent report highlights that climate change, driven by fossil fuel emissions, is endangering global health by causing record temperatures, worsening droughts, and increasing food insecurity. With heat-related deaths among the elderly soaring, the report calls for immediate action at the upcoming U.N. climate summit.

Climate change impacts, exacerbated by fossil fuel emissions, have reached alarming levels, increasing global temperatures and endangering public health, according to a new report by health experts and doctors.

This year's extreme heat, the highest ever recorded, resulted in average individuals experiencing 50 additional days of dangerous heat, reported The Lancet Countdown, which involved contributions from academic institutions and U.N. bodies including WHO. The elderly face heightened risks, with heat-related deaths over 65 rising by 167% compared to the 1990s.

Heatwaves not only increase mortality rates but also the prevalence of heat-induced diseases, affecting outdoor workers severely, the report noted. Furthermore, climate change-induced droughts have led to widespread food insecurity, urging the upcoming COP29 to focus on climate finance for public health, as emphasized by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

(With inputs from agencies.)