Climate change causing tens of thousands of deaths every year

Rawalpindi

Climate change is causing tens of thousands of deaths every year from shifting patterns of disease, from extreme weather events such as heat waves, floods and severe storms, droughts, fires and from the degradation of air quality, food and water supplies, and sanitation. Inland nations will disappear due to surge in storm coastal areas. Uncounted species will become extinct.

In 2012, WHO estimated seven million people died from air pollution-related diseases making air pollution the world’s largest single environmental health risk. According to Unicef, 690 million children are at risk from climate change. A key concern is exposure to diseases that could become deadlier as a result of climate change rising temperatures, including malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea and malnutrition.

Head of Community Medicine at CMH Lahore Medical College Professor Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Chaudhry expressed this while talking to ‘The News’ on health hazards becoming more and more damaging because of climate change.

He added that heat waves, which have become more frequent, are causing more severe rashes, cramps, exhaustion and dehydration, which is common cause of hyperthermia and death among infants and young children.

Over the years, human activities have greatly increased greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons, etc. The increase in quantity of greenhouse gas emissions has raised the temperature of the earth, the phenomenon commonly known as Global Warming, he said.

To a query, he explained that Pakistan is ranked 16th in the Climatic Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI) indicating that our country is highly susceptible to extreme climatic hazards; particularly recurring floods and droughts. No serious measures and policies have been adopted even after the recent floods and devastating drought in Thar even though these hydro meteorological hazards are badly harming Pakistan’s economy due to destruction of crops and infrastructure and the displacement of affected people, he said.

He added the impact of droughts on agriculture is leading to malnutrition and under-nutrition, which is responsible for half of worldwide deaths of children under five. A climate change makes existing inequalities worse. A poor child and a rich child do not stand the chances when a flood and a drought hits, said Dr. Ashraf.

He said implementing proven interventions to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants, like black carbon and methane, for example achieving higher vehicle emissions and efficiency standards, would be expected to save approximately 2.4 million lives a year and reduce global warming by about 0.5 degree centigrade by 2050.

Human activities that produce greenhouse gases are increasing number of industrial processes, combustion of fossil fuels, emissions from power plants and transport vehicles. This effect has been made worse by cutting down trees and forests that help us by absorbing carbon dioxide, he said.

People from all walks of life have expressed their concern about global warming. Although Pakistan itself has a little role to play in global warming phenomenon, it is one of the countries that are facing its adverse effects, said Dr. Ashraf.

Climate change carries no passport; emissions released anywhere contribute to the problem everywhere. It is threat to lives and livelihoods everywhere. Economic stability and the security of nations are under threat. Projected global temperature rise of approximately 3 degree Celsius by the end of century is expected.

Talking of the remedies, Professor Ashraf said actions to mitigate climate change, such as shifting to cleaner energy sources, public transport, walking and biking, can benefit health. The sooner we act, the greater the benefits for all: increased stability and security; stronger, more sustainable economic growth; enhanced resilience to shocks, cleaner air and water and improved health, he said.

He added that Government of Pakistan approved the National Climate Policy in 2012, but there has been no visible progress on that front so far. If we do not take preventive measures, this problem is bound to devastate Pakistan, he said.

He suggested that everybody can participate in the campaign against adverse effects of climate change by reducing the non-renewable sources of energy and increasing use of renewable sources. This will decrease the emission of greenhouse gases, he said.

He said you can identify ways to reduce your energy use and improve your health through walking, cycling, using public transport, better waste management and choosing products with smaller carbon impact.

When buying new appliances, not only fridges, but also washing machines and dishwashers etc, choose those with high energy ratings. Many of the steps needed to prevent climate change have positive health benefits. For example, increase use of bicycles, walking and public transport instead of personal cars will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also improve air quality and lead to better respiratory health and fewer premature deaths. The increase in physical activity from cycling and walking will lead to less obesity and fewer obesity-related illnesses, concluded Dr. Ashraf.