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In a dire warning, an international team of experts cautions that the toll of
heat-related deaths could surge nearly fivefold in the coming decades if urgent
measures to reduce carbon emissions are not implemented. The Lancet Countdown, a
comprehensive annual assessment, underscores that lethal heat is just one facet
of the peril posed by escalating fossil fuel use.
The report emphasizes the broad spectrum of threats, including heightened
risks of drought-induced famine, the expanded reach of disease-carrying
mosquitoes, and the strain on healthcare systems. As the world
grapples with what is anticipated to be the
hottest year on record, this assessment coincides with the upcoming COP28
climate talks, introducing a "health day" to spotlight the profound impact of
global warming on well-being.
Despite heightened calls for global action, carbon emissions from energy
sources reached unprecedented levels last year, with substantial subsidies and
investments perpetuating the reliance on planet-heating fossil fuels. The report
warns of a crisis compounded by climate change, affecting vulnerable populations
disproportionately and pushing humanity towards an intolerable future, prompting
urgent calls for substantial emission reductions. |
