Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 29, 2025 Climate and environment
The climate crisis is no longer a future threat – it's already claiming lives. A new global report from the Lancet Countdown research project, prepared in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), warns that millions of people die each year due to the consequences of climate inaction.
A document published ahead of the opening of the UN Climate Conference (COP30) in Brazil shows that 12 of 20 key indicators tracking health threats from global warming have reached record levels.
"The climate crisis is a health crisis. Every fraction of a degree of warming costs lives," said Dr. Jeremy Farrar, a WHO spokesperson.
Mortality rates are rising
According to the report, heat-related deaths have increased by 23 percent since the 1990s, averaging 546,000 fatal incidents per year. In 2024, every person on Earth was exposed to dangerous heat for an average of 16 days, with infants and the elderly experiencing heat stress for more than 20 days.
Droughts and fires have led to increased food insecurity, with 124 million people facing food shortages in 2023. Economic losses from heat in 2024 were estimated at $1.09 trillion.
Last year, governments spent $956 billion on fossil fuel subsidies—three times more than they spent on aid to climate-vulnerable countries. In 15 countries, such subsidies exceeded the entire healthcare budget.
There is hope
The report not only warns of disaster but also cites positive examples. Reducing air pollution from coal-fired power generation between 2010 and 2022 prevented 160,000 premature deaths annually. Renewable energy reached 12 percent of the total energy sector, creating 16 million jobs. Two-thirds of medical students in 2024 received training in climate and health.
"The solutions already exist. Cities, communities, and local governments are demonstrating that progress is possible," says Dr. Marina Romanello, executive director of the Lancet Countdown. She claims that phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to clean energy and healthy diets will help save more than 10 million lives annually.
The healthcare sector is at the forefront
The health sector is demonstrating leadership: healthcare-related greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 16 percent in 2021–2022. Sixty percent of countries have completed national health system adaptation plans, and 58 percent have completed vulnerability assessments.
In the lead-up to the climate conference in Brazil, the Lancet Countdown report has become a key argument for urgent action. The WHO is preparing a special report that will form part of the Belém Action Plan, the summit's expected outcome.
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