Even as the UN issued a red alert on climate change, doctors on Wednesday raised alarm over the significant health risks associated with increasing global temperatures.
The latest report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), showed record-breaking “greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, Antarctic sea ice cover and glacier retreat” in 2023.
The report warns of a ‘high probability’ that 2024 will be another record-hot year. Climate reports have shown January 2024 already to be the warmest on record.
“Climate change poses significant health risks, particularly in the realm of respiratory health. Climate change exacerbates air pollution, which worsens conditions of people who already have respiratory ailments like asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, etc,” Dr Vikas Maurya, Director and HoD Pulmonology, Fortis Shalimar Bagh said.