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Premature Death of 1 Billion People: A Result of Human Caused Climate Change
- thelawpinion
- Oct 7, 2023
- 5 min read
ABSTRACT
Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, with profound implications for human health. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of a recent study that highlights the potential consequences of human-caused climate change on premature deaths. The study estimates that climate change could result in up to 1 billion premature deaths worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action. The paper further focuses on the steps that people can take at the ground level to improve such unwanted climate change.
Introduction
Human-caused climate change is a well-established scientific fact, driven primarily by the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) from human activities, including burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These emissions lead to global warming, altered weather patterns, rising sea levels, and a host of other environmental changes that have far-reaching implications for ecosystems, economies, and public health.
While the effects of climate change on the environment and the economy have received significant attention, its impact on human health has garnered increasing interest in recent years. A study published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal in 2022 estimated that human-caused climate change could contribute to up to 1 billion premature deaths globally.
Analysis
A study from the University of West Ontario indicates that if global warming reaches a two-degree Celsius increase, human-induced climate change could potentially lead to the premature demise of approximately one billion individuals in the next century. This research also highlights that the oil and gas sector is accountable for more than 40 percent of carbon emissions, both directly and indirectly. According to experts, the peer-reviewed studies concerning the human mortality impacts of carbon emissions consistently support the "1,000-ton rule." This rule estimates that burning around 1,000 tons of fossil carbon results in one premature death in the future. If we consider the scientific consensus behind the 1,000-ton rule seriously and perform the calculations, the consequences of human-caused global warming translate into approximately one billion premature deaths over the coming century. Urgent action is imperative. The ongoing increase in the Earth's temperature is deeply concerning, primarily attributed to global warming. The process of global warming commences with the arrival of sunlight on our planet.
Source: Durreesamin Journal
Sunlight is partially reflected into space by clouds, atmospheric particles, reflective surfaces on the ground, and the surface of the oceans, accounting for approximately 30% of the incoming solar energy. The remaining solar energy is absorbed by the oceans, the atmosphere, and the land, consequently warming the Earth's surface and atmosphere, which is crucial for sustaining life. As the Earth warms, it emits this absorbed solar energy in the form of thermal radiation and infrared rays, which escape into space, contributing to cooling.
However, a portion of this outgoing radiation is re-absorbed by certain atmospheric gases, including carbon dioxide, water vapor, ozone, methane, and others. These gases are commonly referred to as greenhouse gases due to their capacity to trap heat. It's worth noting that this re-absorption process is vital, as it prevents the Earth's average surface temperature from becoming excessively cold in the absence of greenhouse gases. The problem arose when human activities significantly accelerated the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, particularly over the past two centuries. By 2004, more than 8 billion tons of carbon dioxide had been released into the atmosphere. This increased concentration of greenhouse gases interferes with the natural process of thermal radiation, resulting in a phenomenon known as the human-enhanced global warming effect. Recent observations about global warming have provided compelling evidence supporting the theory that it is indeed the human-enhanced greenhouse effect responsible for the planet's warming. Over the past century, the Earth has witnessed the most substantial increase in surface temperature in recorded history. The primary driver of climate change is the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. These gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat from the sun, leading to a gradual increase in global temperatures.
The major sources of GHG emissions include:
• Burning of fossil fuels for energy production and transportation.
• Land-use changes, including deforestation and urbanization.
• Industrial processes, such as cement production and chemical manufacturing.
• Agricultural practices, including livestock emissions and rice cultivation.
The repercussions of climate change range from increased temperatures, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels to health problems such as heatstroke, infectious diseases, and respiratory issues. You, every one of us have faced the repercussions of climate change in our lives be it breathing issues or heat strokes.
A news article in The Economic Times read that between 1970 and 2021, India experienced 573 disasters attributed to extreme weather, climate, and water-related events, resulting in the loss of 138,377 lives, according to data provided by the World Meteorological Department, a specialized agency under the United Nations. Globally, during the same period, 11,778 documented disasters led to over two million fatalities and incurred economic losses totaling USD 4.3 trillion.
In such grave circumstances, the public must take steps towards a better and clearer environment and to save ourselves and future generations from fatal death because of climate change.
What Can We Do?
Addressing climate change is a complex and urgent global challenge that requires collective action at various levels, from individuals and communities to governments and international organizations. Here are steps that can be taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change:
• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Transition to clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Improve energy efficiency in homes, buildings, and industries. Promote sustainable transportation options, like electric vehicles and public transit. Encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances and equipment. Implement policies to limit emissions from industries and agriculture.
• Promote Sustainable Land Use: Protect forests and natural habitats, as they absorb carbon dioxide. Promote afforestation and reforestation efforts. Adopt sustainable agricultural practices to reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.
• Adopt Sustainable Consumption and Production: Reduce waste and encourage recycling and composting. Choose products with lower carbon footprints and support sustainable supply chains. Implement circular economy practices to reduce resource consumption.
• Advocate for Climate Policies: Advocate for strong climate policies at the local, national, and international levels. Support policies such as carbon pricing, emissions reduction targets, and renewable energy mandates. Vote for political leaders committed to climate action.
• Educate and Raise Awareness: Educate yourself and others about climate change and its impacts. Raise awareness in your community and engage in discussions about climate solutions. Encourage climate education in schools and universities.
• Support Climate Finance and Adaptation Funds: Contribute to climate finance mechanisms that help developing countries adapt to and mitigate climate change. Support initiatives that assist vulnerable communities in building resilience.
Conclusion
The study highlighting the potential for 1 billion premature deaths due to human-caused climate change serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action. The implications for human health are far-reaching and underscore the interconnectedness of climate, environment, and public health. To avert this catastrophic outcome, swift and decisive measures are necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen public health systems, and protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of climate change. The time to act is now, for the sake of our planet and future generations.
References
The Economic Times. (2023/08). Human-Caused Climate Change May lead to 1 billion Premature Deaths
University of West Ontario. (2023/08). Climate changing human activity predicted to cause 1 billion deaths
World health organization. (2021/10). Climate change and health
Ben Clarke. (2022). extreme weather impacts of climate change
*This article was authored by Mimansa Arora, Student from Symbiosis Law School, Noida and reviewed by Shreya Doneriya, Student from Symbiosis Law School, Noida.
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