Climate Inaction Is Already Killing Millions of Lives
Climate inaction is claiming millions of lives every year, warns Lancet report
The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners have encouraged governments to put the health of the population first in dealing with the climate change. A recent Lancet report indicates that millions of lives are already being lost annually due to climate inaction. It cites our still dependent nature on fossil fuels and being unprepared to live in a warming world as two significant health risks.
These results come as the world temperatures continue to rise, climatic extremes become increasingly common, and health care systems have a hard time managing heat rashes, air contamination, and nutritional deficits.
The Lancet Report: Climate Inaction is time to wake up
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change 2025 is clear and sends a sharp message: climate change is now not a threat anymore, but a current health crisis.
- Millions of people are dying prematurely each year because of the air pollution, extreme heat, infections, and Lack of food.
- These problems are worsened because of climate inaction.
The report urges leaders to drop fossil fuels and use public health as the primary driver of climate policy, not a byproduct.
Who Is Most Affected by Climate Inaction?
- Children: Pollution of air results in asthma and poor immune systems.
- Elderly: Most likely to succumb to heatwaves.
- Low-income communities: Experience poor housing and health services.
These groups face the greatest burden of climate inaction, even though they contribute the least.
Climate Inaction Fuels Heat, Disease, and Hunger
Rising Temperatures
- Since pre-industrial conditions, the planet has heated up by approximately 1.3°C.
- Prolonged heat waves result in dehydration, heatstroke, and kidney failure.
- Farmers and laborers are outdoor employees exposed to the sun.
- By 2024, deaths due to heat had increased over 60 percent since 20 years ago.
Infectious Diseases
- Warming increases the occurrence of diseases like malaria, dengue, and cholera.
- Mosquitoes and other vectors are now thriving in regions where cold once prevented them.
Food and Water Insecurity
- Unpredictable weather, droughts, and floods kill crops and restrict water supply.
- Lack of food has returned after years of decline.
Economic and Social Costs of Climate Inaction
Climate change harms both health and economies.
- The cost of climate disasters is estimated in billions each year.
- Health systems spend colossal amounts treating diseases caused by pollution and heat.
Examples:
• Hospitals overcrowded during heat waves.
• Poor air quality increases healthcare costs.
• Floods destroy infrastructure and disrupt medical supplies.
WHO estimates that the price of inaction is far higher than the cost of prevention. Green energy and infrastructure are both cost- and life-saving investments.
Governments Must Act Against Climate Inaction
Policy Recommendations
- Stop subsidizing fossil fuel and invest in clean and renewable energy.
- Develop public transport to reduce vehicle emissions.
- Build capacity to handle climate-related diseases.
- Train farmers to adapt to weather changes.
- Educate citizens on sustainable living.
The Priority of Public Health
Dr. Maria Neira (WHO):
“The climate crisis is the human face of health. Any inaction on climate takes life. We should act not for the good, but to protect health.”
Climate policies are often seen as environmental or economic, but the report redefines them as a matter of human survival.
The Response of Countries
Positive Steps
- Norway and Iceland: Switching to renewable energy.
- Pakistan: Launched the Living Indus Initiative to restore wetlands and improve water management.
- China: Expanded solar and wind facilities and aims for carbon neutrality by 2060.
Ongoing Challenges
- Fossil fuel subsidies still cost billions globally.
- 2024 saw record carbon emissions despite warnings.
Health Systems under Strain Due to Climate Inaction
Climate Change and its Medical Effect
Increased number of patients with:
- Heat exhaustion
- Respiratory problems
- Diseases spread by mosquitoes
- Disaster-related mental health issues
South Asian and African hospitals are weak, lacking air conditioning and flood prevention, making them unprepared for climate emergencies.
Healthcare Workers Speak Out
Frontline physicians are urging that health ministries include climate Adjusting to changes policies.
“Each summer, we attend to hundreds of heat-related illness patients. If this trend continues, our hospitals will run out of steam.” — Physician in Karachi
The Human Side of the Crisis
- Farmers losing crops due to droughts.
- Families displaced by floods.
- Children missing school due to air pollution.
The Lancet report reminds us: climate change is about human suffering.
Each ton of carbon emitted costs lives and livelihoods.
The Role of the Public in Fighting Climate Inaction
People can help by:
- Reducing domestic energy use.
- Investing in solar energy.
- Choosing public transport.
- Electing leaders who act on climate change.
Though individual actions alone aren’t enough, collective action creates change.
Scientists’ Warning on Climate Inaction
Experts warn we have less than seven years to halve global emissions or face irreversible harm.
Dr. Ian Hamilton:
“Climate change poses the largest health risk of the 21st century but also the largest opportunity. Taking action now will save millions of lives.”
The message: We cannot sit back and watch.
Local Effects: South Asia on the Spotlight
akistan, India, and Bangladesh are already facing heatwaves and floods.
- In 2022, Pakistan’s record floods displaced millions, causing malaria and cholera outbreaks.
- The report calls for early-warning systems, city planning, and disaster preparedness to prevent deaths.
Turning the Tide: What We Have to Change
World leaders must:
- Aim for net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Transition to clean energy and green jobs.
- Protect forests and restore ecosystems.
- Provide fair funding to developing nations.
Tools and expertise exist — what’s missing is political will.
The Choice Before Us
Each year of heat, hunger, and disease costs thousands of lives.
Every step toward clean energy and resilient health systems brings us closer to safety.
According to the Lancet report:
“A healthy planet is key to healthy people.”