How Have Heat-Related Deaths Increased by 63% Since the 1990s?
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Synopsis
A startling report reveals that heat-related deaths have surged by 63% since the 1990s, resulting in an average of 546,000 fatalities annually from 2012 to 2021. This alarming trend underscores the dire consequences of climate inaction, with significant implications for global health and economies.
Key Takeaways
- Heat-related deaths have risen by 63% since the 1990s.
- 546,000 deaths occur annually due to heat-related causes.
- The report indicates a direct link between climate inaction and increased health risks.
- Climate change is exacerbating the spread of infectious diseases.
- Transitioning to renewable energy can save millions of lives.
Geneva, Oct 29 (NationPress) Heat-related fatalities have surged by 63% since the 1990s, with an average of 546,000 deaths annually from 2012 to 2021, as revealed in a distressing report by the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change released on Wednesday.
This report, crafted by 128 experts from various disciplines worldwide, illustrates how inaction on climate change is costing millions of lives every year, leading to devastating floods, droughts, and wildfires, while also facilitating the spread of infectious diseases globally.
As the world gears up for COP 30 in November in Brazil, the report highlights that 12 out of 20 indicators tracking health threats have reached alarming levels, demonstrating the severe impact of climate inaction on lives, health systems, and economies.
It cautions that the ongoing dependency on fossil fuels and the inability to adapt to a warming planet are already inflicting a severe toll on human health.
“The climate crisis is a health crisis. Every fraction of a degree of warming costs lives and livelihoods,” stated Dr. Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the World Health Organization.
“This report, produced in partnership with WHO, clarifies that climate inaction is currently claiming lives in every nation. Nevertheless, tackling climate change presents the greatest health opportunity of our era. Cleaner air, better diets, and resilient health systems can save millions of lives now and safeguard future generations,” added Farrar.
Driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, climate change is increasingly threatening lives and health globally. The report noted that average annual temperatures surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels for the first time in 2024.
The average individual encountered 16 days of hazardous heat in 2024, with infants and the elderly facing over 20 heatwave days per person—representing a four-fold rise over the past two decades.
Heat exposure led to a loss of 640 billion potential labor hours in 2024, with productivity reductions amounting to $1.09 trillion. The financial implications of heat-related deaths among older adults reached $261 billion.
Furthermore, the frequency of extreme precipitation days, which can affect health and provoke flash floods and landslides, increased on 64% of the world's land surface from 1961-1990 to 2015-2024.
A staggering 61% of the global land area experienced extreme drought in 2024, a 299% increase compared to the 1950s average, further jeopardizing food and water security and resulting in downstream economic losses.
Additionally, the hotter, drier climate heightened the risk of wildfires, leading to a record 154,000 deaths due to air pollution from wildfire smoke-derived PM2.5.
The shifting climate conditions are also influencing the transmission risks of deadly infectious diseases. The climate-defined transmission potential of dengue by Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti has markedly increased.
Meanwhile, governments allocated $956 billion for net fossil fuel subsidies in 2023, over three times the annual amount committed to support climate-vulnerable nations.
Fifteen nations spent more on fossil fuel subsidies than their entire national health budgets.
“Rapidly phasing out fossil fuels in favor of clean renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency is crucial to curbing climate change and safeguarding lives. Simultaneously, adopting healthier, climate-friendly diets and more sustainable agricultural practices can significantly reduce pollution, greenhouse gases, and deforestation, potentially saving over 10 million lives yearly,” stated Dr. Marina Romanello, Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown at University College London.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial for us to acknowledge the staggering rise in heat-related deaths and the broader health implications of climate change. This report serves as a wake-up call for nations to unite and take decisive action. Climate inaction is not only a threat to our environment but also a direct danger to public health and economic stability. Our commitment to addressing these issues must be unwavering.
NationPress
29/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of the Lancet Countdown report?
The report indicates that heat-related deaths have increased by 63% since the 1990s, resulting in an average of 546,000 deaths annually from 2012 to 2021.
How does climate change impact health?
Climate change leads to more extreme weather events, increasing the incidence of heat-related illnesses, food and water insecurity, and the spread of infectious diseases.
What can be done to mitigate the effects of climate change on health?
Transitioning to renewable energy, adopting healthier diets, and improving public health systems are essential steps to mitigate the health impacts of climate change.
How much did governments spend on fossil fuel subsidies in 2023?
Governments allocated $956 billion for net fossil fuel subsidies in 2023, which is more than triple the amount pledged to support climate-vulnerable countries.
What are the economic implications of heat-related deaths?
Heat exposure has led to significant productivity losses, with 640 billion potential labor hours lost in 2024, equating to a financial impact of $1.09 trillion.
