In a column published Monday, September 6, 230 medical journals warn of the devastating and imminent effects of the climate crisis on human health. Relayed by the British Medical Journal, this joint editorial is a first. An initiative that reflects the urgency of the global situation …
The consequences of climate change on human health
According to scientists, the increase in average temperature has already had devastating impacts on human health. The signatories of the editorial explain: “ Over the past 20 years, heat-related mortality in people over the age of 65 has increased by more than 50%. Rising temperatures have led to increased cases of dehydration and loss of kidney function, skin conditions, tropical diseases, mental health problems, pregnancy-related complications, allergies, as well as morbidity and illness. cardiovascular and pulmonary mortality “. According to them, these prejudices disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, ethnic minorities or even the poorest communities.
The risks of climate change could eclipse those of any disease
For specialists, we must not wait for the end of the Covid-19 pandemic to quickly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In a statement, the director of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared that “ the risks of climate change could eclipse those of any disease. The Covid-19 pandemic will end, but there is no vaccine for the climate crisis “. Faced with this observation, medical journals call on the authorities to massively increase funding to curb the extent of the damage, even mentioning the sums ” unprecedented Spent during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Scientists call on authorities to take emergency action
In conclusion, the editors of medical journals are calling on the authorities to take emergency measures. According to them, “ The greatest threat to global public health is the continued failure of world leaders to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5 ° C and restore nature “. For Fiona Godlee, editor-in-chief of BMJ and co-author of the editorial, “ 2021 must be the year in which our planet changes course: our common health depends on it “.
