Five things to know:
- The scientists concluded with a very high confidence that climate change is increasingly contributing to adverse health effects. Population migration and temperature variability all contribute to diseases such as dengue and chikungunya virus.
- Some chronic, non-communicable diseases have been found to have climate-sensitive pathways, such as dust, fire smoke and heat.
- Climate variability also leads to food insecurity through destruction of crops and lack of clean water, causing illnesses related to malnutrition and undernutrition. An extra 250,000 deaths a year from heat, undernutrition, malaria and diarrheal disease are predicted by 2050.
- Part of the solution is targeting investments into health systems to strengthen the response to climate-related issues; for instance, investing in hazard early warning systems and vector-borne disease control programs. The report emphasized a multisector response to climate risks in healthcare.
- Ultimately, transitioning to a low-carbon society will have the most impact, according to the report. Green buildings, equitable access to renewable energy, active transport such as walking and cycling, and plant-based diets are all steps outlined by the report.
