Sign In
Learn bits
Index & Reports
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 

More Related Current Affairs View All

10 Jan

Rural landowners in Delhi want repeal of Sections 33 and 81 of Delhi Land Reforms Act

'Both sections dealing with the use and sale of agricultural land have come under the spotlight ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.' This can only be done by the Central gove

Read More

10 Jan

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

'Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas  in Bhubaneswar.' The event is held once every two years to “honour the cont

Read More

10 Jan

Deciphering the Indus script

'Recently, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1-million prize for experts or organisations in the event of their success in deciphering the scripts of the Indus Val

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps