The Climate Crisis Is A Health Crisis

Climate crisis seriously damaging human health, report finds; National academies say effects include spread of diseases and worse mental health

Damion Carrington, 3 June 2019 (UK Guardian)

“…Scorching heatwaves and floods [driven by the climate crisis] will claim more victims as extreme weather increases but there are serious indirect effects too, from spreading mosquito-borne diseases to worsening mental health [according to a report for the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (Easac). It also found] great benefits from action to cut carbon emissions…Extreme weather such as heatwaves, floods and droughts have direct short-term impacts but also [have mental effects include post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, substance abuse and depression] in the longer term…

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The scientists were also concerned by the effect of extreme weather on food production, with studies showing a 5-25% cut in staple crop yields across the Mediterranean region in coming decades…[But] even small cuts in meat eating could lead to significant cuts in carbon emissions, as well as benefits to health…Global carbon emissions are still rising but scientists say rapid and deep cuts are needed to limit temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels and avoid the worst impacts.” click here for more

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