Climate change is already having a noticeable impact on the environment and global health. Around the world extreme weather events, increased temperatures, drought, and rising sea levels are all adversely¹ affecting our ability to grow food, access clean water, and work safely outdoors. Soon in some areas, the transformation² will be so drastic and devastating³ that native populations will be displaced and forced to find new homes as environmental refugees. In a review published in the Annals of Global Health, doctors warn of the impending⁴ public health crisis brought on by climate change and call for action to help prepare the world for what is ahead. As we begin to experience an unprecedented⁵ shift in temperature, we are starting to see the immense impact climate change will have on people around the world, especially those living in low-income countries. Bearing the brunt of the damage caused by climate change, low-income nations are especially susceptible⁶ because their economies often rely solely⁷ on agriculture and most do not possess the resources to ease the risks posed by climate events.

 

Low-income countries contribute just a tiny fraction of greenhouse gases (GHG), yet, they stand to lose the most if something is not done to curb⁸ emissions⁹. In 2004, the United States, Canada, and Australia approached 6 metric tons (mt) of GHG per capita, while per-capita GHG emissions in low-income countries was only 0.6 mt overall. 

 

"As global temperature increases, rich countries' economies continue to prosper¹⁰, but the economic growth of poor countries is seriously impaired," explained co-author Barry S. Levy¹¹, MD, MPH, Adjunct Professor, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine. "The consequences for economic growth in poor countries will be substantial if we continue on a 'business-as-usual' path of increasing carbon dioxide concentrations and rapid climate change, with poor countries' mean annual growth rate decreasing from 3.2% to 2.6%."

点击收听单词发音