The 2020 report of The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: responding to converging crises

Description

In 2015, countries committed to limit global warming to "well below 2°C" as part of the landmark Paris Agreement. 5 years on, global carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise steadily, with no convincing or sustained abatement, resulting in a rise in the global average temperature of 1·2°C. Indeed, the five hottest years on record have occurred since 2015.

The changing climate has already produced considerable shifts in the underlying social and environmental determinants of health at the global level. Indicators on climate change impacts, exposures, and vulnerabilities are worsening. Concerning, and often accelerating, trends were seen for each of the human symptoms of climate change monitored, with the 2020 indicators presenting the most worrying outlook reported since the Lancet Countdown was first established.

The 2020 report presents 43 indicators across five sections: climate change impacts, exposures, and vulnerabilities; adaptation, planning, and resilience for health; mitigation actions and health co-benefits; economics and finance; and public and political engagement. This report represents the findings and consensus of the 35 leading academic institutions and UN agencies that make up the Lancet Countdown, and draws on the expertise of climate scientists, geographers, engineers, experts in energy, food, and transport, economists, social, and political scientists, data scientists, public health professionals, and doctors.

The 2020 Lancet Countdown report is accompanied by a Policy Brief for the EU, published jointly with the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME).