Report of The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, 2024

The 2024 report of The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, the 8th edition, reveals that 16 lakh deaths in India in 2021 were due to air pollution.

India Ranked 2nd in Global PM2.5 Emissions in 2022

• India was the world’s second-highest emitter of PM2.5 in 2022  based on both consumption and production-based accounting: 
  • India contributed 15.8 percent of the world’s consumption-based PM2.5 emissions. 
  • The report also underlined that India contributed 16.9 percent of the world’s production-based PM2.5 emissions. 

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Key Findings from the 2024 Lancet Countdown Report on Health and Climate Change

• Air Pollution Related Mortality in India: In 2021, air pollution caused 1.6 million deaths in India.
  • Fossil fuels like coal and liquid gas contributed to 38% of these deaths.
• Heat Stress and Extreme Temperature Exposure

• • In 2023, Indians faced moderate to high heat stress for 2,400 hours or 100 days during light outdoor activities, such as walking.
  • From 2014-2023, infants and adults over 65 experienced 7.7 and 8.4 heatwave days per year, respectively, marking a 47% and 58% increase from 1990-1999.
• Impact on Labour and Economy
  • In 2023, heat exposure led to the loss of 181 billion potential labour hours, translating to an economic loss of approximately $141 billion in labour capacity.
• Global Heat Threats and Climate-Driven Health Risks
  • People worldwide faced 50 more days of health-threatening temperatures than expected in 2023 due to climate change.
  • Extreme drought affected 48% of the global land area, the second-highest level recorded, worsening food insecurity for millions.
• Increased Disease Transmission Due to Climate Change
  • The transmission potential for dengue, spread by Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, rose by 85% from 1951-1960 to 2014-2023.
  • Coastal areas suitable for Vibrio pathogens (linked to cholera) expanded by 23% compared to 1990-1999, affecting over 210 million people near coastal waters.
• Record-Breaking Global Heat in 2023
  • 2023 was the hottest year on record, with severe droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, storms, and floods impacting global health and livelihoods.
  • Heat-related deaths, especially in those over the age of 65 years, rose by 167% over the 1990s.
• Health Effects of Fossil Fuel Pollution
  • Continued fossil fuel and biomass use worsens air quality, raising risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and other health issues.
• Progress and Need for Renewable Energy
  • Renewable energy in India supplied 11% of electricity in 2022, a record high.
  • Despite this, 71% of India’s electricity still comes from coal, highlighting the urgent need for accelerated transition to clean energy.

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