Daily News Analysis

Lancet Countdown Report 2023

stylish_lining

A new report by the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change warns of the severe health consequences of climate change in India.

 Lancet Countdown Report

  • The Lancet Countdown is global research collaboration that tracks the relationship between public health and climate change.
  • 2023 report- It tracks the relationship between health and climate change across 5 key domains and 47 indicators.
  • It warns that from 2018 to 2022, average summer temperature increased by 0.5°C compared to the 1986-2005 baseline average, with severe implications for public health.
  • The report highlights the grave and mounting threat to health of further delayed action on climate change.
  • It also emphasizes that COP28 could help deliver through commitments and action to accelerate a just transition.

What are the key highlights of the report?

  • Rise in temperature- It poses a significant threat to lives, health and wellbeing, leading to an increased risk of death and heat-related diseases.
  • Vulnerable group at risk- Due to elevated temperature older individuals, socio economically deprived communities, very young children, pregnant women and those with underlying health issues are particularly at risk.
  • Impact on health-

 Category

 2013-22 vs 1986-2005 timeline

 Children under age 1

 43% increase in heatwave days

 Adult over age 65

 216% increase in heatwave days

  • Economic fallout- Agricultural workers face the brunt experiencing 64% of potential hours lost and 55% of potential income loss.

In 2022, India lost 191 billion labour hours due to heat, which was 54% more than in 1991-2000.

  • Urgent call for action- The report stresses the critical need for immediate action, emphasizing the urgency of strengthening local health systems, adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Air pollution- The report addresses the health impact of air pollution, attributing increasing deaths to small particulate matter (PM2.5) generate from human activities.
  • Energy transition- Transition to renewable energy is identified as a crucial step to mitigate air pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emission and promote universal, affordable and clean energy.
  • Drought - India’s vulnerability to extreme weather events including drought is outlined impacting crop yields, livestock and food security.
  • Spread of diseases- The suitability for the spread of infectious diseases like malaria, dengue has increased due to climate change.
  • Local engagement- The report emphasized the importance of locally relevant data and research to inform policies and enable government to take a leading role in championing health centered climate action.
  • Global collaboration- The report gives a call for global collaboration to address the urgent challenges posed by the climate change.

What lies ahead?

  • Climate negotiations must drive a rapid and sustained shift away from fossil fuels, accelerate mitigation, and increase support for health adaptation.
  • The coordinated action of health professionals, policy makers, corporations, and financial institutions is the need of the hour to ensure a thriving future.
  • Health-centred urban redesign can promote safe active travel, reduce building and transport-based air pollution and GHG emissions, and increase resilience to climate hazards

Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements from one culture by members of another, often in ways that exploit, disrespect, or commodify the original culture. This becomes particular
Share It

GIAHS Programme and India’s Agricultural Heritage

India, home to diverse agricultural systems, has recently gained recognition for hosting three Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). This milestone was highlighted by the Minis
Share It

Made in India Label Scheme

The Made in India Label Scheme has recently been supported by a proposed allocation of INR 995 crores over the next three years, a move that highlights the Indian government’s commitment to
Share It

RBI’s 7 Sutras for AI Adoption

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently introduced the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI), outlining 7 guiding sutras for the ethical use of
Share It

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

India’s fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has seen notable progress, marked by a dramatic reduction in insurgent incidents and a significant contraction of the Red Corridor. The insurg
Share It

Didayi Tribe

The Didayi Tribe in Odisha has made headlines with Champa Raspeda, a student from the tribe, becoming the first member to clear the NEET 2025 exam. About the Didayi Tribe Location: Th
Share It

INS Aridhaman

India is set to significantly strengthen its strategic defence capabilities with the upcoming induction of INS Aridhaman, the third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in its fleet.
Share It

Fast Track Special Courts Scheme

The Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme, which was introduced by the Ministry of Law & Justice under the Nirbhaya Fund, is an initiative aimed at expediting the trial of rape and child se
Share It

Elephant Conservation in India

World Elephant Day: A Global Conservation Effort On 12th August 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) observed World Elephant Day in Coimbatore, with a focu
Share It

Flash Flood in Dharali Village

The flash flood in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, highlights the growing threat of disasters caused by extreme weather events in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Factors Driving Frequent Disast
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS