The Lancet urges divestment from fossil fuels to save lives
The 2024 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, launched today, reveals a stark escalation in climate-related health threats, with 10 of 15 indicators tracking health threats reaching alarming new records. In 2023 alone, people faced an average of 50 additional days of health-threatening temperatures than expected without climate change, and nearly half the world experienced severe drought, associated with heightened food insecurity for 151 million more people compared to previous decades. Despite the availability of clean energy solutions, governments and companies continue to invest trillions in fossil fuels, exacerbating these health risks. The report calls for an urgent redirection of these funds to build a healthier, more sustainable future and underscores the need for a rapid, just transition to net zero emissions.
This report prepared in close collaboration with WHO as a strategic partner highlights the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat - it's here, and it's taking a devastating toll on people's health," said Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization. We are seeing record-breaking heat waves, droughts and food insecurity affecting millions of lives worldwide. Yet, we continue to pour trillions of dollars into fossil fuels, which are driving these crises. It's time to stop funding harm and start investing in health."
In close collaboration with WHO and other leading health and climate organizations, the report highlights that the health impacts of climate change are now undeniable - and they are growing more severe each year. A healthier, more resilient future is possible, but it requires a fundamental shift in priorities.
The year 2023 people were exposed to, on average, an unprecedented 50 more days of health-threatening temperatures than expected without climate change. Extreme drought affected 48% of the global land area, while 61% of the global land area saw an increase in extreme precipitation events compared to the 1961-1990 average, increasing the risks of food insecurity, extreme weather and water contamination.
Beyond the human toll, the economic losses from extreme weather events alone are staggering, estimated at US$ 227 billion per year over the past five years (2019-2023), a value that exceeds the GDP of 60% of the world's economies.
Urgent call for action
Despite these warnings, governments and companies continue to direct trillions of dollars toward fossil fuel subsidies and investments. In 2023, fossil fuel investments accounted for more than one third of global energy spending. Meanwhile, clean energy investment and the critical funds needed to support the most vulnerable nations remain vastly underfunded.
The report stresses that a global transformation is not only possible but necessary. The world has the financial resources to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources that can improve public health, enhance economic security and create sustainable jobs. Investing in clean energy now will save lives, protect the planet and boost economies.
Signs of progress
Amid the alarming data, there are signs of progress. Air pollution-related deaths have declined slightly, and the share of electricity generated by clean energy has doubled since 2016. Investment in renewable energy is growing, and global climate action is gaining momentum.
The report reminds us that protecting the health of the planet is key to protecting the health of people - and that by shifting priorities, we can still secure a safer, healthier future.