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Mahesh

27/10/22 21:30 PM IST

Climate change amplifying health impacts of multiple crises

In News 
  • Ahead of this year’s United Nations climate change conference (COP27), a major new report has said that the continued dependence on fossil fuels is compounding the health impacts of the multiple crises the world is facing.
Major Findings 
  • The elderly and children under 1 year of age – are at acute risk of heat stress, heat stroke, and other adverse physical and mental health
  • Drier and hotter weather is making conditions increasingly suitable for the start and spread of wildfires, putting people’s health and safety at risk.
  • Spread of diseases: Climate change is affecting the distribution and transmission of many infectious diseases, including vector-borne, food-borne, and waterborne diseases.
  • The climatic suitability for the transmission of dengue increased by about 11% for Aedes aegypti and 12% for Aedes albopictus from 1951–60 to 2012–21
  • On average, 29% more of the global land area was affected by extreme drought annually between 2012–2021, than between 1951–1960.
Findings related to India 
  • The duration of the growing season for maize has decreased by 2%, compared to a 1981-2010 baseline, while rice and winter wheat have each decreased by 1%.
  • Increased heat wave events
  • Increase in heat-related deaths: From 2000-2004 to 2017-2021, heat-related deaths increased by 55% in India.
  • Loss of labour hours
  • Vector-borne diseases
Measures needed 
  • Adapting heat action plans in each city. For instance, the Ahmedabad heat action plan that has shown mortality can be reduced should be adapted everywhere.
  • Specific programmes such as shock responsive protection schemes, social assistance programmes for inability to work and lost wages due to heat and expanded workplace protections – are some practical solutions.
  • Focus on Preventive measures like enhancement of green spaces (strategic planting and less pruning of trees to provide more shade).
  • Healthy and green urban redesign will promote physical activity and deliver more friendly, liveable cities. Today, just 27% of urban centres are classified as moderately-green or above.
  • Burning of dirty fuels needs to be minimised as soon as possible to reduce the accompanying health impacts.
Source- DTE 

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