Climate change impacts such as floods, droughts and heat waves could kill up to 14.5 million people by 2050, according to a report released Thursday, ahead of National Nature Conservation Day on Sunday.
This day, established in Portugal in 1998, draws attention to the conservation of natural heritage, which is essential for human well-being and economic sustainability.
The study, “Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Human Health,” prepared by the North American consulting company OIiver Wyman in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), analyzes the consequences of a gradual increase in the planet’s average temperature on health.
“Floods pose the greatest risk of mortality, with an estimated 8.5 million deaths by 2050, followed by droughts (3.2 million) and heatwaves (1.6 million),” says a press release for the report, which estimates “the total cost to health systems of treating climate-related diseases will exceed one billion euros” in the same year.
In addition, the study analyses the negative health impacts of tropical storms, wildfires and sea level rise, suggesting that around 70% of these deaths will occur in high-risk regions, particularly Southeast Asia.
Asia is the region where the impact of climate change on health is expected to be greatest, with “economic losses of around €3.2 billion.”
In terms of economic losses, Europe (€2.3 billion), South America (€1.9 billion) and Africa (€1.8 billion) follow.
Due to a lack of resources and essential medical equipment, as well as inadequate infrastructure, the African continent “finds itself more vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change than other regions.”
The study by the group’s strategic adviser Marsha MacLennan “presents emissions reduction strategies that could avoid economic losses of up to €11.5 billion by 2050”, noting that the role of the private sector is crucial and “must be encouraged by governments”.
In terms of direct economic incentives, measures such as “tax incentives, subsidies or research grants to support initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change” are mentioned, and the creation of regulations that “stimulate innovation” is also proposed.
“The public sector plays another important role in making health systems resilient to the impacts of climate and weather change, such as infrastructure training.”
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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