People in every region of the world are increasingly seeing their health affected by climate change. Key trends seen in previous Lancet Countdown Reports are worsening and exacerbating existing health and social inequities–the 2021 report gives a code red for health. The 2021 Report tracks the relationship between health and climate change across five key domains and over 40 indicators.
Every region of the world is affected by climate change and its health impacts are getting worse. We are seeing more frequent and more intense extremes of heat harming people’s health in rich and poor countries; 72% of countries saw an increase in human exposure to wildfires; the environmental suitability the transmission of diseases like dengue, malaria and cholera is increasing around the world; and in 2020, up to 19% of the global land surface was affected by extreme drought in any given month – putting people in danger of food and water insecurity. Compounded with insufficient adaptation measures, the most vulnerable people are the worst affected, and climate change is already exacerbating inequities.
With current commitments putting the world on track to 2.4°C of warming, the cost of inaction on climate and health will vastly outweigh the costs of acting now. Rapid decarbonisation could prevent most of the 3.3 million deaths from air pollution that occur each year, the 842,000 deaths associated with excessive red meat consumption, and result in better physical and mental health from higher exposure to nature and more physical activity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for increased international co-operation in the face of global crises. COVID-19 recovery presents an unprecedented opportunity to invest in a future of economic and environmental sustainability, improved health and reduced inequities. However, this will only be possible if the world acts together to ensure that no person is left behind. Decision-makers must act today and show strong leadership. A better future is still possible.
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