The 2025 Lancet Countdown report warns that climate inaction is claiming lives worldwide
CALIFORNIA: The 2025 Lancet Countdown report, in collaboration with WHO, has highlighted the alarming toll that climate change is taking on global health. According to the report, climate inaction is already costing millions of lives and straining health systems. Heat-related deaths have risen by 23% since the 1990s, with over 546,000 lives lost annually due to heatwaves.
Impact of climate change on health
The report reveals the direct link between climate change and health issues such as rising temperatures causing heat-related mortality. The report states that the average person experienced 16 days of dangerous heat in 2024 that would not have occurred without climate change. Infants and older adults are especially vulnerable, with their exposure to heat increasing fourfold in the past two decades.
Additionally, droughts and wildfires continue to drive food insecurity, with 124 million people facing moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023.
Economic strain and the cost of inaction
Economic losses due to heat exposure are staggering, with 640 billion labor hours lost in 2024, equating to US$ 1.09 trillion in productivity losses. The cost of heat-related deaths among older adults has reached US$ 261 billion. Meanwhile, governments continue to spend trillions on fossil fuel subsidies, with some countries allocating more for fossil fuels than for their national health budgets.
The health opportunity in climate action
Despite these dire statistics, the report highlights a clear solution: climate action is also the greatest health opportunity of our time. Moving to renewable energy could save over 10 million lives each year, while shifting to healthier, climate-friendly diets and more sustainable agricultural systems could drastically reduce pollution and greenhouse gases.
Climate action success stories
The report also highlights the progress made by communities, cities, and the health sector in leading the way. Nearly 95% of cities have completed or plan to complete climate risk assessments, showing that local and national efforts can have real, health-related benefits.
Looking ahead to COP30: Protecting health through climate action
As COP30 approaches, experts urge accelerated climate action focused on protecting human health, reducing inequalities, and creating a sustainable future. The Lancet Countdown report serves as a key piece of evidence to push for health-centered climate policies and investments.
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