Climate change could waste 50 years of progress in the field of healthcare.

(Baonghean.vn) - The threat to human health posed by climate change is so great that it could undo 50 years of progress in global development and health, experts warned on June 23.

According to experts, extreme weather events such as floods and heatwaves are increasing the risk of infectious diseases, poor nutrition, and stress. Cities are becoming increasingly polluted, people work long hours, and there is neither time nor space for walking, cycling, or relaxing – such a living and working environment is extremely detrimental to cardiovascular, respiratory, and mental health.

Around 200 countries have set a ceiling on the global average temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels to limit climate change, but scientists believe current trends could lead to a 4-degree Celsius increase in average temperature, potentially causing droughts, floods, and rising sea levels.

Scientists warn the world could face a 4°C increase in average temperature, potentially leading to droughts, floods, and rising sea levels. Photo: Reuters.

Anthony Costello, Director of the Institute for Global Health at University College London, stated in a briefing in London: “Climate change has incredibly serious and potentially catastrophic impacts on human health and survival. Yet this issue is often ignored in policy debates.”

This report, commissioned and published by the health journal The Lancet, was compiled by an expert panel comprising climate scientists and geographers, social, environmental and energy scientists, and biodiversity and health experts from Europe and China. It states that climate change directly impacts health due to increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events. Indirect impacts may stem from changes in infectious disease patterns, air pollution, food insecurity and malnutrition, displacement, and conflict.

Hugh Montgomery, Director of the Institute for Human Health and Activities at University College London and co-author of the report, stated: “Climate change is a health emergency. It demands an urgent response using the technologies currently available.”

The panel of experts stated that there are now many ways to achieve health benefits by taking action on climate change. For example, burning less fossil fuel reduces respiratory illnesses, and encouraging people to walk and cycle more reduces pollution, traffic accidents, and rates of obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming approximately 17 million lives each year. Professor Montgomery emphasized: “There would be significant energy savings if people consumed fewer calories for commuting, and there are several direct benefits to more active lifestyles.”

Thu Giang

(According to Reuters)