Lancet Report on Health & Climate Change

The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change highlights the severe and escalating health threats posed by climate change. Rising global temperatures and increasing air pollution are directly linked to higher mortality and morbidity rates. The main concerns include:

  • Heat-Related Mortality: Rising temperatures cause heat stress, heat strokes, cardiovascular diseases, and exacerbate pre-existing conditions.
  • Air Pollution-Related Deaths: Pollutants such as PM2.5, NO₂, and O₃ are responsible for millions of premature deaths annually, particularly from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires, droughts, and hurricanes, leading to widespread public health crises.
  • Food and Water Security: Climate-induced changes disrupt agricultural production and water availability, affecting nutrition and increasing disease risks.
  • Vulnerable Populations: The elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are disproportionately affected.
  • Policy and Mitigation Strategies: Clean energy transitions, emissions reductions, and healthcare adaptation measures are essential to reducing health risks.

Heat-Related Mortality and Morbidity

Rising temperatures due to climate change are intensifying heatwaves and increasing health risks worldwide. Heat-related illnesses and deaths are on the rise, particularly among vulnerable populations. The major health effects of extreme heat include:

  • Heat exhaustion and heatstroke: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause dehydration, dizziness, confusion, and organ failure.
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases: heat increases heart rate and stress on the circulatory system, while poor air quality exacerbates lung diseases.
  • Mental health issues related to heat stress: Higher temperatures have been linked to increased anxiety, aggression, and suicide rates.
  • Reduction in productivity and economic losses: Outdoor workers, including those in agriculture and construction, face significant health risks, leading to reduced economic output.

Global Heatwave Events & Health Impacts

Key Findings from the Lancet Countdown 2023

  • 1% increase in heat-related deaths globally over the past decade.
  • Europe, South Asia, and North America are the most affected regions.
  • More than 50% of heat-related deaths occur in people aged 65 and older.
  • Heat exposure has led to a 10% reduction in global labor productivity, particularly in outdoor industries like agriculture and construction.
Lancet Report on Health & Climate Change
  1. North America: 2024 Heatwave Deaths and Hospitalizations

    2024 North America Heatwaves (June – September 2024)

    • Over 1,161 deaths were reported across North America.
      • United States: 1,006 confirmed heat-related deaths.
      • Mexico: 155 deaths and over 2,567 heat-related injuries.
    • Death Valley, California, recorded 53.9°C (129.0°F) on July 7, 2024, marking the hottest temperature ever recorded in North America.
    • Phoenix, Arizona, recorded 46 consecutive days above 110°F (43°C), overwhelming hospitals with heatstroke patients.
    • Heatwaves worsen fires across California, leading to respiratory-related hospital admissions.

    Heat Deaths in the U.S. Double in Recent Decades

    • Heat kills more people in the U.S. than any other type of extreme weather.
    • A 117% increase in heat-related deaths has been recorded over the past 24 years.
    • The U.S. Southwest (Arizona, Texas, Nevada) accounted for 60% of all heat deaths in 2024.
  2. Europe: Deadly Heatwaves in 2024 and 2025

    2024 Heatwave in Southern Europe (June-August 2024)

    • Spain and Italy recorded temperatures above 48°C (118°F).
    • France reported 850 heat-related deaths in just three months.
    • Greece experienced its worst wildfires in history, displacing over 10,000 people.

    UK Heat Crisis 2024

    • More than 600 heat-related deaths in England and Wales.
    • Hospitals in London reported a 25% rise in admissions due to heatstroke and dehydration.

    2025 Projections:

    • The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) predicts at least 50 additional days of extreme heat in 2025.
  3. Asia: South Asia Faces Record-Breaking Heat

    India and Pakistan (May – June 2024)

    • Delhi recorded its highest-ever temperature of 52.4°C (126.3°F) in May 2024.
    • More than 3,000 heat-related deaths reported across India.
    • Severe droughts in Pakistan led to an 18% increase in waterborne diseases.

    China’s Record Heatwave (July 2024)

    • Shanghai recorded 42.3°C (108.1°F), the highest in over 100 years.
    • Hospitals saw a 40% increase in admissions for heatstroke.
  4. Africa and the Middle East: Rising Heatwaves & Health Crises

    Sub-Saharan Africa (2024-2025)

    • Over 800 deaths due to heatwaves in Sudan and Nigeria.
    • Drought and famine exacerbated by extreme temperatures have led to malnutrition-related deaths.

    Middle East (July 2024)

    • Kuwait recorded 54°C (129°F), one of the highest temperatures ever recorded on Earth.
    • Heat-related deaths surged by 30% in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Heatwave-Related Health Impacts and Long-Term Risks

  • A. Health Risks Linked to Extreme Heat
    • Increased cardiovascular stress: Higher temperatures force the heart to work harder, leading to more heart attacks and strokes.
    • Respiratory distress: Extreme heat worsens air pollution, increasing hospitalizations for asthma and COPD.
    • Higher rates of kidney failure: Chronic dehydration leads to acute kidney injuries, particularly in labor-intensive workers.
    • Mental health deterioration: rising suicide rates linked to extreme heat stress.

    Global Health Projections for 2025

    • The world experienced an average of 41 additional days of extreme heat in 2024.
    • 2025 is expected to surpass this, with a projected 50+ days of extreme heat.