Global heat levels are climbing, jeopardizing public health and environmental agreements. In 2024, extreme temperatures set records, causing deadly climate events worldwide. Heat-related deaths in the United States also hit a 45-year high.
Some international efforts aim to combat climate change. But significant shifts are needed to address current global heat risks.
How Do 2024 Global Heat Trends Threaten Public Health?
In 2024, rising temperatures led to extreme weather, causing deadly impacts worldwide. The Lancet Countdown has tracked health and climate change since the Paris Agreement. Over 300 researchers contribute to this report, covering multiple disciplines and countries.
The 2024 Lancet Countdown warns of new heat-health challenges. The 2015 Paris Agreement aimed to keep global warming under 1.5°C. Now, the world is nearing this critical limit. In 2023, global temperatures reached 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels.
Last year, outdoor workers faced heat stress 30% more than in the 1990s. From 1961 to 1990 and again from 2014 to 2023, extreme precipitation days increased by 61%. This rise leaves more people vulnerable to floods, water contamination, and infectious diseases.
Food insecurity is also climbing. In 2022, 151 million more people faced food insecurity than from 1981 2010. Air quality worsened too. Between 2018 and 2022, 31% more people were exposed to harmful particles than from 2003 to 2007.
Unpredictable precipitation and warmer weather encourage the spread of diseases. Malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus are expanding into new regions.
What Is Being Done to Mitigate Global Heat Trends?
The 2024 Lancet Countdown Report offers some promising developments. In 2023, 50 more countries assessed climate risks and adaptation needs than in 2022. That year, only four countries had Health National Adaptation Plans. By 2023, nearly ten times that number implemented similar plans.
Renewable energy is also progressing. In 2021, clean electricity reached a record 10.5%. In 2023, investment in clean energy nearly doubled that in fossil fuels. Renewable energy jobs have grown almost 40% since 2016. Meanwhile, air pollution from fossil fuels fell nearly 7% from 2016 to 2021.
In 2024, WHO named climate change its top priority. At COP28, 101 countries signed the UAE Declaration on Climate and Health. The Paris Agreement’s first global stocktake emphasized protecting human health and the environment.
These actions show growing global commitment to address health risks from climate change. Continued collaboration and urgent action are essential to meet these goals.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Rising Heat Levels?
The CDC reports that some groups face greater heat-related health risks. These include:
- adults over 65
- infants and children
- those with chronic conditions
- people without air conditioning
- athletes
- outdoor workers
- pregnant persons
While each group needs tailored care, some recommendations apply to all populations:
- Stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible. Try public spaces if home cooling is unavailable.
- Check for local heat-relief shelters.
- Avoid using the stove or oven to reduce indoor heat.
- Take cool showers to lower body temperature.
- Never leave children, infants, or pets in a parked car.
- Schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of the day.
- Moderate exercise levels and wear sunscreen.
- Avoid hot, calorie-dense foods.
- Drink plenty of water, replacing salts and minerals as needed.
Conclusion
Global heat levels are climbing, threatening both public health and environmental security. While global efforts offer hope, protecting vulnerable populations will require consistent action. Only through international collaboration can we address health risks tied to rising temperatures.
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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
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