India is facing a growing risk from climate-sensitive infectious diseases like malaria and dengue, as warming temperatures are driving these illnesses to new regions. Malaria has now spread to the Himalayan areas, and dengue transmission has increased across the country, according to the eighth Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change. The report, developed by 122 experts, emphasizes the pressing need for India to adopt climate-integrated disease forecasting systems, improve healthcare infrastructure, and increase public awareness about these evolving threats. The spread of these diseases underlines the need for urgent policy action in both health and climate sectors to safeguard communities.
The evidence-based Lancet report highlights that India's coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, which pose substantial flooding risks for local populations. This revelation underscores the urgency of implementing comprehensive flood adaptation strategies to protect India’s coastal regions from climate-related impacts. "The findings denote an urgent call to action for India to revitalize its health and climate policies, prioritize financial investments, and build a robust adaptive response to protect its population from the ever-intensifying threats posed by climate change," the report states.
Globally, the Lancet report outlines an alarming trend: people everywhere are experiencing unprecedented climate-related health risks. According to the data, 10 out of 15 indicators that track health risks from climate impacts hit new records in 2023. In one concerning example, there were 50 days with extreme temperatures that posed a direct threat to human health, underscoring the need for policies and resources to mitigate heat stress.
In 2023, the world witnessed record-breaking heat, marking it as the hottest year to date. The relentless rise in global temperatures led to extreme weather events, including severe droughts, deadly heatwaves, devastating forest fires, and catastrophic floods and storms. This heat surge had a major effect on vulnerable populations, particularly those over 65, with heat-related fatalities increasing by a striking 167% compared to the 1990s.
The human toll of rising temperatures was further evident in the workforce, as people experienced an average of 1,512 hours of potentially harmful high temperatures—a 27.7% increase from the 1990s. As a result, an estimated 512 billion labor hours were lost, translating to an economic impact of approximately $835 billion in lost global income, affecting low- and middle-income countries most significantly. Additionally, extreme precipitation events surged between 2014 and 2023, impacting 61% of global land areas and raising the risk of floods and climate-sensitive diseases.
The accelerating impacts of climate change are putting unprecedented pressure on health systems and communities worldwide
Dr. Maria Neira
With rising global temperatures, the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue has surged, with 2023 reaching an all-time high of over 5 million dengue cases worldwide. The report reveals that shifting climates are expanding the geographic range suitable for the spread of dengue, malaria, West Nile virus, and vibriosis, which are now reaching areas previously unaffected. Such climate-driven health threats emphasize the need for a coordinated response to manage infectious disease risks, especially in vulnerable communities unaccustomed to such illnesses.
The Lancet report also notes that in 2023, a record 48% of global land areas faced at least one month of extreme drought, the second-highest level since 1951. The drought has affected water supplies, food security, and crop yields, compounding the challenges faced by communities worldwide. The prolonged drought and intensified heatwaves from 1981 to 2010 have been linked to an increase of 151 million people experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity across 124 countries by 2022.
Amid these daunting challenges, the Lancet report mentions some hopeful progress, particularly in reducing deaths from air pollution. A reduction in coal burning has led to a significant drop in pollution-related deaths, marking a positive trend in public health outcomes. Furthermore, global investments in clean energy surged to $1.9 trillion in 2023, a step that highlights the commitment to sustainable energy sources. Employment in the renewable energy sector reached new highs, underscoring the role of clean energy in supporting job security and offering hope for a more sustainable future.
These advancements suggest that, while the world grapples with climate-induced health risks, proactive measures and investments in clean energy and pollution reduction can positively impact public health and economic resilience. The findings serve as both a warning and a call to action for countries, especially those with climate-vulnerable populations, to prioritize policies that integrate climate and health strategies for a safer and more resilient future.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
