Scientists have warned of an impending catastrophe that is worse than the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it the greatest challenge to human health. Health specialists from around the world have signed a petition urging leaders attending the Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, according to Phys.org. In their letter, the scientists described the rise in global temperatures as the most dangerous challenge to human health. They believe that the negative impacts of the climate crisis will be far worse than the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
They stated that doctors are already facing these changes in hospitals and communities around the globe. Air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels leads to premature deaths for over seven million people each year. The deterioration of natural conditions on earth is increasing disease rates due to poor food, water, and air quality. The petition's authors pointed out that extreme weather events—storms, floods, and heatwaves—are destroying the lives of millions. The article mentions that just this year, major disasters have affected populations in China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Canada, Germany, Belgium, and many other countries.
According to the doctors, human health must become a key topic at the COP26 summit, where discussions will focus on mitigating the effects of climate change. They explained that global temperatures are expected to rise by 2.7 - 3.1 degrees Celsius this century. The appeal stated that the Paris Agreement on climate has set a benchmark of 1.5 degrees, and exceeding this threshold will cause significant harm to people's lives.
The doctors proposed a number of measures to help avoid a health catastrophe:
- A rapid transition from fossil fuels should begin, with funding directed towards developing clean energy.
- Leading countries should reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, and assist poorer nations in meeting these commitments.
- Governments should establish a "climate-resilient and low-carbon healthcare system."
- Efforts to improve public health should be integrated into climate change plans.
