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A new report finds climate change responsible for the same number of deaths
as an Indian Ocean tsunami every single year. It is already responsible for
300,000 deaths a year and by 2030 this number could climb to as many as half
a million.
The report is written by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s organisation,
the Global Humanitarian Forum, and is the first comprehensive study of the human
impact of global warming.
Climate change is threatening lives and livelihoods through increased frequency
and intensity of hazardous weather (such as hurricanes, cyclones and flooding),
water shortages, changes in agricultural patterns, and reduced sanitation.
Many of the major causes of child mortality in low and middle-income countries,
including malaria, diarrhoea and undernutrition, are highly sensitive to climate
conditions, making children among the most vulnerable to climate change.
The report also highlights the inequity between rich and poor nations, noting
that while the 50 poorest countries in the world are responsible for only 1%
of global emissions, about 99 per cent of climate change casualties will be
in developing countries. Those least responsible for the harm caused by climate
change are most vulnerable and will bear the brunt of its devastating effects.
To avert the worst possible outcomes, the report urges adaptation efforts to
be scaled up by a factor of 100 in developing countries.
In the lead up to the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen in December,
the report is an urgent call for nations to reach a fair global deal to limit
emissions and provide funding for adaptation to the changes already occurring.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children
survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s
largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child
health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education
for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation,
and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals,
businesses, foundations and governments.
News is included on the IvyRose website to inform visitors about current health
issues, but not to endorse any particular view or activity. Any views expressed
in the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose Ltd.. Material in
this news item was released by the UNICEF on 12
June 2009 and may have been edited (e.g. in style,
length, and/or for ease of understanding by our international readers) for inclusion
here. For further information, please visit their website.
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