As the global climate crisis becomes more intense, experts have recently recommended that humanity must end its reliance on fossil fuels to protect our health.
This comes following a new report released by the UN-led Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) which estimates that climate change-related mortality has risen since 2000. The report highlights the dangerous health impacts of air pollution, heatwaves, extreme storms and other climate-related effects connected to rising temperatures resulting from human activities.
Climate-related mortality has been particularly severe in developing countries which are most vulnerable to the effects of global warming. The OECD has calculated that residents in South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean are more than forty times likelier to die from climate-related causes than those living in Europe, Northern America and many other parts of the world.
To forestall the effects of climate change, an international panel of scientists has recommended that humanity needs to reduce its use of fossil fuels. This means making a global and concerted effort to transition away from burning coal, oil and gas for energy use. Renewable sources, such as solar, wind or geothermal power, should be adopted with budgetary incentives.
Experts agree that the health of the planet and the health of its citizens are deeply linked and that steps must be taken to reduce emissions and switch to cleaner sources of energy. The OECD report highlights how human activities are exacerbating the effects of climate change and that this will have a serious effect on public health. The organization underlines the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels and making sure that all nations commit to stronger emissions reduction targets.
The report also shows how investing in better public health systems, disaster preparedness and early-warning systems are essential to mitigate the effects of global warming. In addition, individuals can also make an effort to lower their carbon footprint by driving less, using public transportation, and eating healthier, plant-based foods.
Climate change is a public health issue, that requires collective efforts if we are to safeguard the health of future generations. We must act now to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and prove once again that we are capable of making the world a better place.