Heat caused 3 million deaths as Lancet calls climate change a "global health emergency"
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims + Mains·
Climate-health nexus and economic externalities: a key GS3 and Science & Technology case study.
Why in news
The Lancet published a report declaring climate change a 'global health emergency' following data showing 3 million heat-related deaths between 2016 and 2023.
Background
The Lancet Countdown reported 710,000 heat-related deaths in 2023 alone. Professor Ollie Jay of the University of Sydney noted that global warming cost the global economy over one trillion dollars annually for three consecutive years.
Facts for Prelims
- Fact3 million deaths attributed to heat between 2016 and 2023
- Fact710,000 heat-related deaths recorded in 2023
- FactGlobal warming cost the global economy over one trillion dollars annually for three years
- BodyLancet Countdown: A research initiative reporting on the health impacts of climate change
Prelims practice question
Which research initiative reported on the health impacts of climate change and the mortality caused by extreme heat?
- (a)Global Climate Index
- (b)Health Impact Survey
- (c)World Health Report
- (d)Lancet Countdown
Show answer
Answer: (d) Lancet Countdown — The Lancet Countdown is the research initiative that reported the health impacts of climate change.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the nexus between climate change and global public health, highlighting the economic implications of extreme heat events on developing nations.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Economic burden: Annual global economic losses exceeding one trillion dollars due to warming
- Health infrastructure strain: Escalating mortality from heat-related illnesses requiring urgent global health emergency protocols
Keywords: Climate-health nexus · Global health emergency · Extreme heat mortality · Economic externalities · Lancet Countdown
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.