Climate Changes May Eradicate Health Progress

A warming climate is not good for health. More than 700 died during a heat wave in Pakistan and hundreds more died in India during a previous heat wave. Rising temperatures also heighten risks of bacterial, viral and insect-borne disease; asthma; and respiratory and cardio failure. A commission convened by the medical journal Lancet identified climate change as the biggest global health threat of the 21st century and offers recommendations, including phasing out coal. Public opinion will spur government action: As of 2013, more than 60 percent in Japan, South Korea and much of Europe viewed climate change as major threat compared with 40 percent in the US and China – and fewer in Pakistan. “Although the threats are great and time is short, we have an opportunity for social transformation that will link solutions to climate change with a progressive green global economy, reductions in social inequalities, the end of poverty, and a reversal of the pandemic of non-communicable disease,” notes the report. “There are huge opportunities for social and technological innovation.” Extreme weather events will rapidly shift public opinion. Governments should prepare. – YaleGlobal