The Imperative for Climate Action to Protect Health

Bibliographic Data

ID23328994
AuthorsAnna Haines (0000-0002-8053-4605, From the Departments of Public Health, Environments, and Society and of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (A.H.); and the Departments of Global Health and of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle (K.E.).), Kristie L Ebi (0000-0003-4746-8236, University of London), Kristie Ebi (From the Departments of Public Health, Environments, and Society and of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (A.H.); and the Departments of Global Health and of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle (K.E.).)
EditorsCaren G Solomon (0000-0003-0539-3475)
Year2019
Volume380
Issue3
Pages263-273
Publication date2019-01-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueNew England Journal of Medicine (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0028-4793 • E-ISSN: 1533-4406
PublisherMassachusetts Medical Society (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1056/nejmra1807873
PMID30650330
OpenAlexW2908555768
LanguageEN
Citations received85
References cited44

limate change is already adversely affecting human health and health systems, 1,2 and projected climate change is expected to alter the geographic range and burden of a variety of climate-sensitive health outcomes and to affect the functioning of public health and health care systems. If no additional actions are taken, then over the coming decades, substantial increases in morbidity and mortality are expected in association with a range of health outcomes, including heat-related illnesses, illnesses caused by poor air quality, undernutrition from reduced food quality and security, and selected vectorborne diseases in some locations; at the same time, worker productivity is expected to decrease, particularly at low latitudes. Vulnerable populations and regions will be differentially affected, with expected increases in poverty and inequities as a consequence of climate change. Investments in and policies to promote proactive and effective adaptation and reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions (mitigation) would decrease the magnitude and pattern of health risks, particularly in the medium-to-long term.

Action (physics) · MEDLINE · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Energy and Environment Impacts · Law · Medicine