The environmental crisis siren: Need for an emergency response to mitigate climate change

What is it about?

The climate change crisis is affecting populations all around the world, and while efforts are being made to mitigate it, the results do not appear satisfactory. Under the current scenario, global temperatures are expected to increase by over 2°C per year, instead of the targeted and acceptable 1.5°C. Greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and climate change negatively impact human health, especially that of vulnerable populations. Higher temperatures have resulted in dehydration, reduced kidney function, skin cancers, tropical infections, adverse mental health effects, pregnancy complications, allergies, and increased cardiovascular and pulmonary issues among humans. An editorial piece, published simultaneously in many international health journals, now calls for action, urging governments and organizations around the world to act fast to mitigate the impending climate crisis. Emergency action is needed, with wealthier countries leading action against climate change, and supporting lower-income countries to foster global co-operation. Increased investment in maintaining environmental health should be prioritized.

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Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Multiple conferences have been held, resolutions have been passed, and targets have been set to reduce emissions and control the other causative factors of global warming, but these targets have either been missed, or are inadequate. While wealthier nations lead these dialogues, poorer and underdeveloped countries bear most of the brunt of the environmental crisis, despite having contributed to it the least. This inequality could further breed conflict, food insecurity, forced displacement of resources, and zoonotic diseases like COVID-19, affecting countries globally, and disturbing further the precarious balance of human societies with the environment. KEY TAKEAWAY An emergency response is required, especially by developed first-world countries, to successfully control the environmental crisis being faced by us. If not mitigated, this crisis could lead to a serious disruption in global health, affecting communities and governments all around the world. Hence, nations should make a coordinated effort, helping one another to improve the environmental quality and mitigate global warming.