NEW YORK: According to a recent study, published in the open-access journal PLOS Climate by Amit Roy from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and The New School for Social Research, U.S., suggests that the impact of climate change on human life expectancy could be as substantial as six months.
Roy examined data from 191 countries spanning from 1940 to 2020, investigating the relationship between temperature, rainfall, and life expectancy while considering economic differences based on GDP per capita.
The findings indicate that for every 1°C rise in global temperature, there is an associated decrease in average human life expectancy of approximately 0.44 years, equating to a loss of roughly 5 months and 1 week.
Furthermore, a 10-point increase in a combined climate change index, which incorporates both temperature and rainfall, could result in a reduction of six months in average life expectancy. Women and individuals in developing nations are anticipated to bear a disproportionate burden.
Dr. Roy anticipates that the introduction of this integrated climate change index will streamline global discussions on the subject, providing a measurable standard accessible to the public and promoting international cooperation to tackle the impacts of climate change.
The study highlights the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to evolving environmental conditions. It emphasizes the necessity for localized research focusing on specific extreme weather events such as wildfires, tsunamis, and floods, which cannot be fully captured through temperature and rainfall analysis alone.
Dr. Roy emphasizes, “The global peril posed by climate change to the health and well-being of billions underscores the imperative to address it as a public health emergency, as indicated by this study, underscoring that mitigation measures to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and proactive initiatives are crucial to safeguard life expectancy and preserve the health of populations worldwide.
