Climate inaction kills millions of people every year

The report was issued by“Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change” In collaboration with the World Health Organization, it concluded that 12 out of 20 key indicators tracking health threats have reached record levels, showing that climate inaction is costing lives, straining health systems, and undermining economies.

Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care at the World Health Organization, said: “The climate crisis is a health crisis. Every bit of warming temperature costs lives and livelihoods.”

He said this report shows that climate inaction is now killing people in all countries. “Yet climate action is also the greatest health opportunity of our time. Clean air, healthier diets, and resilient health systems can save millions of lives now and protect current and future generations.”

Key findings of the report

⬅️Heat-related deaths have increased by 23% since the 1990s, pushing total heat-related deaths to an average of 546,000 deaths per year.

⬅️Drought and heatwaves are associated with an additional 124 million people facing moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023.

⬅️Heat exposure causes a potential 640 billion lost work hours in 2024, with productivity losses equivalent to $1.09 trillion. The costs of heat-related deaths among the elderly amounted to $261 billion.

⬅️Governments spent $956 billion on net fossil fuel subsidies in 2023 – more than three times the annual amount pledged to support countries vulnerable to climate change. 15 countries spent more on fossil fuel subsidies than their entire national health budgets.

⬅️It is estimated that about 160,000 premature deaths will be avoided annually between 2010 and 2022, from reductions in outdoor air pollution caused by coal alone. Renewable energy generation has reached a record level of 12% of global electricity, creating 16 million jobs worldwide. Two-thirds of medical students will receive education in climate and health in 2024.

Promoting health through climate action

Dr Marina Romaniello, Executive Director of The Lancet Countdown at University College London, said: “We already have the solutions to avoid climate catastrophe – and communities and local governments around the world are proving that progress is possible. From clean energy growth to adapting cities, the work is underway and delivering real health benefits – but we must maintain the momentum. Phasing out fossil fuels quickly in favor of clean renewable energy and efficient energy use remains the most powerful driver for slowing climate change and protecting lives.”

Meanwhile, Dr Marina said that shifting to healthier, climate-friendly diets and more sustainable agricultural systems would significantly reduce pollution, greenhouse gases and deforestation, potentially saving more than ten million lives annually.

Climate conference in Brazil

As the world prepares for the 30th Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, the findings of the Lancet Countdown 2025 Global Report provide a key evidence base for accelerating health-focused climate action.

The World Health Organization said it will build on this momentum with the upcoming COP30 Special Report on Climate Change and Health, a collaborative effort that highlights the policies and investments needed to protect health, equity and deliver… “Belem Action Plan” Which is expected to be the historic outcome of COP 30.