In a recent address, UN chief António Guterres warned of the deadly impacts of burning fossil fuels, which results in the deaths of 1.2 million people a year. He pointed out that it is still possible to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but this will require a 45% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
What is seen, however, is that the current policies in force are moving towards a temperature increase of 2.8°C by the end of the century, which represents an imminent catastrophe. In the face of this, he emphasized the need for immediate global action to achieve net zero emissions, with a particular focus on the fossil fuel industry, considered the epicenter of the climate crisis.
The Lancet Countdown group published the report “Health at the Mercy of Fossil Fuels” on the intersection of health and climate change. The document reveals that hundreds of people around the world are being affected by this alarming problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the main risks associated with climate change include outbreaks of infectious diseases, extreme heat waves, droughts and floods.
An alarming fact highlighted in the report is that in the United States alone, 11,800 people lose their lives annually due to air pollution resulting from the use of fossil fuels. These unhealthy emissions have been linked to a range of respiratory, cardiovascular and other health problems.
Infectious disease outbreaks are a growing concern as climate change can alter disease transmission patterns, increasing the risk of spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. In addition, extreme weather events such as heat waves and severe storms can cause direct damage to people's health, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion and physical injury.
Faced with these challenges, it is essential that measures are taken to mitigate the effects of climate change on human health. This involves dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources and implementing adaptation policies to deal with impacts already under way.
In addition, raising awareness and education about the health risks related to climate change is essential to empower communities to take protective and adaptive measures. A coordinated global effort, involving governments, the private sector, health professionals and civil society, is needed to address this urgent threat to public health.
One of the proposals defended by the UN chief is the gradual elimination of fossil fuels, leaving oil, coal and gas in the ground, while significantly increasing investments in renewable energy. He also proposed the creation of a Climate Solidarity Pact, in which wealthy nations would support emerging economies in cutting emissions.
Another measure mentioned is the Acceleration Agenda, which urges governments to gradually eliminate the use of coal by 2040, end public and private international funding for this source of energy and redirect subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energies, among other actions. .
Dependence on Fossil Fuels and the Impacts on Human Health
According to a statement from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) released on April 4, 2022, new data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that billions of people around the world are still exposed to unhealthy air. The report highlights that around 3.5 billion people – almost half of the global population – are breathing polluted air, which poses a serious risk to human health.
Air pollution is a significant problem that contributes to a range of respiratory, cardiovascular and other health conditions. The WHO report indicates that, annually, air pollution causes the premature death of approximately 7 million people worldwide.
The main sources of air pollution include emissions from industry, motor vehicles, fossil fuel burning and poor waste management practices. Prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution can lead to the development of chronic diseases and reduce life expectancy.
PAHO emphasizes the importance of urgent measures to reduce air pollution and protect people's health. Actions such as improving air quality, encouraging the use of clean and renewable energies, controlling pollutant emissions and implementing effective environmental policies are essential to face this global challenge.
Public awareness and active participation in the adoption of sustainable practices also play a crucial role in promoting a healthier environment. The report highlights the need for collaboration between governments, industry, communities and individuals to implement measures that reduce air pollution and protect the health of people around the world.
Measures and Actions to Mitigate the Use of Fossy Fuels
Amidst the growing challenges related to the climate crisis, António Guterres made an urgent call to fossil fuel companies and financial institutions to act decisively. In his speech, he highlighted the need to stop influence-peddling and legal threats aimed at obstructing progress towards climate solutions.
The UN chief stressed that it is critical that fossil fuel companies cease their attempts to subvert carbon neutral alliances, using antitrust legislation as an argument. He emphasized that collective climate action does not violate antitrust laws, but rather preserves public trust and contributes to a sustainable future.
In addition, the UN leader urged governments to provide clear guarantees and play a key role in resolving these issues. He highlighted the importance of detailed plans by financial institutions, encouraging them to embrace a global energy transformation.
These plans must include explicit strategies for phasing out fossil fuel assets from their portfolios, thereby ensuring alignment with the net zero target. The UN chief also emphasized the importance of transparency, demanding that every lobby and political engagement are disclosed.
As far as financial institutions are concerned, the UN leader highlighted the need to end loans, subscriptions and investments in coal, including new infrastructure, power plants and mines. He also emphasized the importance of directing finance and investment towards just transition in developing countries rather than exploring new oil and gas fields.
The UN chief's appeal reflects the urgency of concrete and immediate action to tackle the climate crisis. Collaboration between businesses, governments and financial institutions is crucial to achieving a successful transition to a low-carbon economy and ensuring a sustainable future for future generations.
Fossil fuel companies and financial institutions need to take responsibility for their impact on the environment and commit to a more sustainable approach, gradually moving away from fossil fuels and shifting investment towards renewable solutions. Only through coordinated and decisive actions can we tackle the climate crisis and preserve the health of our planet.
The transition to an economy free of fossil fuels becomes an urgent need. The search for sustainable energy alternatives and the drastic reduction of carbon emissions are essential to avoid the worst scenarios of climate change and guarantee a safe and healthy future for present and future generations.
