The Lancet urges divestment from fossil fuels to save lives

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🗞️ Driving the news: The 2024 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report highlights record-breaking climate-related health risks, as governments and corporations continue significant investments in fossil fuels
• In 2023, people faced 50 extra days of hazardous heat due to climate change, and nearly half the globe experienced severe drought, exacerbating food insecurity for millions

🔭 The context: Launched in partnership with the WHO, the report documents the worsening health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to food and water insecurity, and calls for urgent fossil fuel divestment to prioritize public health
• Despite clean energy availability, fossil fuel investments continue to consume a significant portion of global energy spending

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Continued reliance on fossil fuels intensifies climate change impacts, endangering global health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. Redirecting investments to clean energy is crucial to reversing these effects

⏭️ What's next: The report urges a transition to renewable energy for a healthier, resilient future, emphasizing that with available resources, this shift is possible and beneficial for both people and the planet

💬 One quote: “It’s time to stop funding harm and start investing in health,” - Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director of Environment, Climate Change and Health

📈 One stat: Extreme weather events cost US$227 billion annually over the past five years, surpassing the GDP of 60% of the world’s economies

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