as the Planet Burns,Economists Urge Investment in Health to Save Millions
The year 2024 marked a grim milestone: the Earth experienced its hottest year on record,surpassing 1.5°C of warming since pre-industrial times. This unprecedented rise in global temperatures has solidified climate change as the greatest threat to human health. From heatwaves and droughts to floods and cyclones, the planet is under siege, and the most vulnerable populations are paying the highest price.
A recent analysis by the World Economic Forum has mapped the preventable human and economic impacts of climate change across 11 diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, and cholera. the report underscores the urgent need for investment in health systems to mitigate these devastating effects. Here are the four key takeaways from the analysis.
1. Heatwaves and Droughts Will Be the Biggest Killers
Climate change is projected to cause 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic costs by 2050. Floods pose the highest acute risk of climate-induced mortality,accounting for 8.5 million deaths. droughts, indirectly linked to extreme heat, are the second-highest cause, with 3.2 million anticipated deaths. Heatwaves, meanwhile, are expected to have the highest economic toll at $7.1 trillion due to productivity losses.
2.Low-Resource Countries Will Bear the Brunt
In regions like sub-Saharan Africa,southern Asia,and central America,80 million people will face hunger by 2050. These populations, already grappling with food insecurity, are less likely to receive adequate support to mitigate losses in livelihoods, property, and access to food and water. Flooding is set to trigger spikes in malaria and dengue, with malaria alone projected to cost $1 trillion and impact 409 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).
3. Investment in Prevention and Treatment Could Save Millions
Despite the dire predictions, the report estimates that 6.5 million lives could be saved, economic losses reduced by $5.8 trillion, and 1 billion fewer DALYs accrued through enhanced prevention, improved diagnostics, and novel treatments. The success of initiatives like the COVAX Facility, which ensured equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, serves as a model for future public-private partnerships.
4. Building Climate-Resilient Health systems
The report calls for the development of climate-resilient healthcare systems that prioritize effectiveness and accessibility. These systems must protect people from climate shocks and aid recovery from health crises. Key components include innovative treatments for infectious diseases,drug delivery innovations,and preparedness planning for emergency services.
| Key Impacts of Climate Change on Health |
|———————————————|
| Total Deaths by 2050: 14.5 million |
| Economic Costs by 2050: $12.5 trillion |
| Flood-Related Deaths: 8.5 million |
| Drought-Related Deaths: 3.2 million |
| Heatwave Economic Toll: $7.1 trillion |
The time to act is now. By investing in climate-resilient health systems and fostering global collaboration,we can mitigate the catastrophic health impacts of climate change and save millions of lives. The stakes have never been higher.
As the Planet Burns, Economists Urge Investment in Health to Save Millions
The year 2024 marked a grim milestone: the Earth experienced its hottest year on record, surpassing 1.5°C of warming since pre-industrial times. this unprecedented rise in global temperatures has solidified climate change as the greatest threat to human health.From heatwaves and droughts to floods and cyclones, the planet is under siege, and the most vulnerable populations are paying the highest price. A recent analysis by the World Economic forum has mapped the preventable human and economic impacts of climate change across 11 diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, and cholera. The report underscores the urgent need for investment in health systems to mitigate these devastating effects. In this interview, dr.Evelyn Carter, a leading expert in climate and health, discusses the findings and solutions with our Senior Editor, sarah Mitchell.
The Deadly Impact of Heatwaves and droughts
Sarah Mitchell: Dr. Carter, the report highlights that heatwaves and droughts will be the biggest killers by 2050. can you explain why these events are so deadly?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: Absolutely, Sarah. Heatwaves and droughts are closely linked to extreme heat, which exacerbates existing health conditions like cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Heatwaves also lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and even death.Droughts, on the other hand, indirectly cause mortality by reducing food and water security, leading to malnutrition and waterborne diseases. For example, the report projects 3.2 million deaths due to droughts, which are often underestimated because their impact is delayed and indirect.
The Disproportionate Burden on Low-Resource Countries
Sarah Mitchell: The analysis shows that regions like sub-Saharan Africa,southern Asia,and Central America will bear the brunt of climate impacts. Why are these areas especially vulnerable?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: These regions are already grappling with food insecurity, poor health infrastructure, and limited resources to adapt to climate change. When extreme weather events like floods or prolonged droughts strike, they disrupt livelihoods, destroy crops, and contaminate water supplies.The report estimates that 80 million people in these regions will face hunger by 2050. Additionally, flooding will trigger spikes in diseases like malaria and dengue, further straining fragile health systems.
The Power of Prevention and Treatment
Sarah Mitchell: Despite the dire predictions, the report suggests that investments in prevention and treatment could save 6.5 million lives. What are the most effective strategies?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: Prevention is key. Enhanced early warning systems for extreme weather events, improved diagnostic tools for infectious diseases, and innovative treatments can save lives and reduce economic losses. The report highlights the success of initiatives like the COVAX Facility, which ensured equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, as a model for public-private partnerships. We need similar collaborations to address climate-driven health crises. as an example, investing in mosquito control programs can substantially reduce the spread of malaria and dengue, while climate-resilient crops can mitigate food shortages.
Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems
Sarah Mitchell: the report calls for the advancement of climate-resilient healthcare systems. What does this look like in practice?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: Climate-resilient health systems are designed to withstand and recover from climate shocks. They must be accessible, even in remote or disaster-prone areas, and equipped to handle surges in demand during crises. Key components include innovative treatments for infectious diseases, efficient drug delivery systems, and robust emergency preparedness plans. Such as, mobile health clinics can provide critical care during floods or heatwaves, while telemedicine can connect patients in rural areas with specialists. These systems also need to be integrated with broader climate adaptation strategies, such as sustainable water management and urban planning.
The Urgency of Action
Sarah Mitchell: Given the stakes, what message would you like to leave our readers with?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: The time to act is now.Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a public health emergency. by investing in climate-resilient health systems and fostering global collaboration, we can mitigate the catastrophic health impacts of climate change and save millions of lives.The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of proactive measures. The stakes have never been higher.
Conclusion
This interview with Dr. Evelyn Carter underscores the urgent need to address the health impacts of climate change. From deadly heatwaves and droughts to the disproportionate burden on low-resource countries, the challenges are immense. However, with targeted investments in prevention, treatment, and climate-resilient health systems, we can save lives and reduce economic losses. The time to act is now—our future depends on it.
