Things are not going very well for us. Emissions of polluting gases continue at record levels, and the corrective plans of industry and governments fall far short of what we need. Despite this, the first steps towards clean energy, no matter how small they may seem, are already having an impressive effect. According to the latest report Lancet countdown, phasing out coalone of the most polluting fossil fuels, saves almost 200,000 lives a year.
This is it: deaths due to air pollution due to fossil fuel use. they grew from 1.43 to 1.21 million per year World. This is a decline of 16.7% from 2005 to 2020. And 80% of that reduction came from reducing pollution caused by coal.
This study involved 114 scientists and health professionals from more than 50 institutions around the world. With the project Lancet countdown Several UN agencies are collaborating. The report emphasizes that the decline in deaths is a signal that should encourage support for the renewable energy sector, which is growing rapidly.
For example, the renewable energy business grew to a record 12.7 million employees in 2021. Financial loans increased to $498 billion in 2021. finally getting closer to what we get from fossil fuels. But the report warns: “Although renewable energy is growing rapidly, its use remains low and uneven.”
Commitment to fossil fuels remains enormous
Modern renewable energy sources contribute only 11% of electricity is produced in the richest countries. But it could be worse: in the poorest countries they are only 2.3%. And judging by what the main players are doing, the situation will not change quickly.
78% of countries assessed in the report still promote the use of fossil fuels. through net direct subsidies totaling US$305 billion in 2020.. These countries account for 93% of all global CO₂ emissions.
Let’s talk about private investment now: Between 2017 and 2021, the 40 banks that lent the most to the fossil fuel sector invested $489 billion annually there. Before the Paris Agreement, the most important global plan to stop climate change, lending grew by 52% between 2010 and 2016.
And there is industry. The strategies of the 20 largest oil and gas companies in the world, according to estimates in early 2023, will lead to polluting emissions will exceed the levels proposed in the Paris Agreement by 173% by 2040. By 2022, they have already exceeded them by 112%.
Impact on global health
This year promises to be the hottest in history. In fact, scientists estimate that the planet will reach a key warming level of 1.5°C earlier than expected compared to pre-industrial times.
A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a group of experts convened by the United Nations, said in March that such a rise in temperatures would occur within the next decade. However, new research guarantees that this could happen in 2029. The recalculation is in response to a steady increase in carbon dioxide emissions over the past three years. For example, in 2022 about 36.8 billion tons of polluting gases, this is the highest figure to date.
A temperature of 1.5°C is referred to as the “point of no return”. Experts warn that when the time comes, the effects of climate change will be much more difficult to control. But the impact is already being felt and is enormous.
Between 2018 and 2022, people experienced hazardous high temperatures on average 86 days a year, new study explains Lancet countdown. 60% of these temperatures are more than twice as likely to occur due to climate change caused by fossil fuel use.
The most vulnerable groups of the population bore the brunt. Average annual heat-related deaths increased by 85% among people over 65 compared with the periods 2013-2022 and 1991-2000. Based on this, they estimated that heat-related deaths would increase by 370% for the period 2041 and 2060.
Fossil fuel use ahead of COP28
“Health risks from climate change are increasing in all monitored dimensions,” the specialist’s report emphasizes. “However, adaptation efforts have not been sufficient to protect people from growing dangers.” Global health inequalities continue to grow, study finds.
Indirect impacts are no less dangerous. Compared to the period 1981–2010, higher frequency of heat days and dry months was associated with another 127 million people who experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2021. An additional 524.9 million people are projected to be moderately or severely food insecure between 2041 and 2060, exacerbating the global risk of undernutrition. Life-threatening infectious diseases are also expected to continue to spread.
World leaders will meet at the UN climate change conference (COP28) later this month. It will take place in Dubai from November 30 to December 12. No data is missing. The scientific community has come to the conclusion: in 2022 The number of articles exploring the link between health and climate change has tripled. compared to 2012. No action, says analysis Lancet countdown: “A prosperous future is possible. “But immediate action will be required to transition away from fossil fuels and tackle our emissions to ensure a livable future is within our reach.”
Source: Hiper Textual
