November 16,2024

Top Five Health Risks Linked to Climate Change: A Call to Action from Cop29

As Cop29, the UN's climate summit, unfolds in Azerbaijan, the focus on the health impacts of climate change is more pressing than ever. Experts warn that by the end of the century, climate change could account for over 3 million deaths annually, far surpassing current global deaths from HIV/AIDS.

A new report from the Lancet Countdown highlights the growing threats to human health caused by climate change, including its effects on food security, disease spread, ecosystems, infrastructure, and the economy. Despite contributing the least to global emissions, Africa faces the worst impacts due to fragile economies and extreme weather events. However, no continent, including Europe, will escape these adverse effects.

The Top Five Health Priorities in a Changing Climate
Emerging Infectious Diseases
Climate change increases the spread of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus as mosquito populations shift into new regions. For instance, ticks carrying Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever may move from Africa into Europe. Rising temperatures and habitat disruptions also increase the likelihood of pandemics, with diseases like Ebola and Lassa fever spreading more readily as bats and rodents seek new breeding grounds.

Food Security and Nutrition
Inconsistent rainfall and extreme weather events threaten global food supplies. For example, erratic rains in Ghana during 2024 left over 1 million people acutely food insecure. By 2030, climate shocks could leave 600 million people hungry and result in up to 1 million children under five suffering stunted growth, compounding their vulnerability to diseases like malaria.

Access to Healthcare
Extreme weather, such as floods, disrupts access to healthcare. From Ghana to Spain, patients and health workers alike are often unable to reach facilities. Many countries lack robust emergency health plans, leaving populations unprotected. A study in northern Ghana found most residents were unable to access healthcare due to climatic conditions, while others lost vital health insurance documents during flooding, limiting access to medications and emergency care.

Air Quality
Air pollution exacerbated by climate change leads to millions of deaths globally. In the UK, it contributes to 36,000 deaths annually, while China faces 2 million deaths each year. Polluted air worsens chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer, reducing life expectancy and overall health.

Extreme Heat
Rising temperatures have increased the risk of heat stress by 28% over the past two decades, particularly for outdoor laborers and athletes. Heat stress can lead to severe conditions such as kidney stones, heart attacks, and asthma. These effects harm health, livelihoods, and the ability to enjoy outdoor activities.