The consequences of climate change such as floods, droughts and heat waves could cause up to 14.5 million deaths by 2050, indicates a report released today on the eve of National Nature Conservation Day, marked on Sunday.
Established in Portugal in 1998, this day draws attention to the preservation of natural heritage, essential for people’s well-being and the sustainability of economies.
Prepared by the North American management consultancy company OIiver Wyman, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), the study “Assessment of the impact of climate change on human health” analyzes the consequences resulting from the gradual increase in the planet’s average temperature in public health.
“Floods represent the greatest risk of mortality, with an estimated 8.5 million deaths by 2050, followed by droughts (3.2 million) and heat waves (1.6 million)”, says a press release. of the report, which estimates that “the total costs of health systems to treat diseases caused by climate change will exceed the value of one billion euros” in the same year.
In addition to these, the study analyzes the negative health effects of tropical storms, forest fires and rising sea levels, indicating that close to 70% of those deaths will occur in high-risk regions, especially in Southeast Asia.
Asia is the region where the impact of climate change on health is expected to be greatest, with “economic losses of around 3.2 billion euros” being calculated.
In terms of economic losses, Europe (2.3 billion), South America (1.9 billion) and Africa (1.8 billion euros) follow.
Due to a lack of resources and essential medical equipment, as well as inadequate infrastructure, the African continent “finds itself in a position of greater vulnerability to the health impacts of climate change than other regions”.
The study by the group’s strategic consultant Marsh McLennan “presents strategies for reducing emissions to avoid economic losses of up to 11.5 billion euros by 2050”, considering that the role of the private sector is crucial and “should be encouraged by Governments”.
In terms of direct economic incentives, measures such as “tax credits, subsidies or research grants to support initiatives that aim to mitigate the impacts of climate change” are mentioned, and the creation of regulations “that encourage innovation” are also proposed.
“The public sector has another role, essential in the resilience of health systems to the effects caused by climate and meteorological changes, such as infrastructure training.”
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