The latest annual release of Lancet Countdown on health and climate change, provides alarming new projections revealing soaring health risks of persistent global inaction over the climate emergency
According to the report, climate inaction is already costing lives and livelihoods. More people are getting sick and dying from extreme heat, drought and other climate problems.
Those over 65 and the very young are especially vulnerable to health risks like heat stroke. As global temperatures have risen, older people and infants now are exposed to twice the number of heat-wave days annually as they were from 1986 to 2005.
The report also provides data on the estimated lost income and food insecurity attributed to extreme weather events and highlights the need for global collaboration and action on an unprecedented scale from governments, businesses, and the public.