World Health Day 2008

1. Over the past 50 years fossil fuel emissions have affected the global climate.
2. Weather effects take a toll on human life - 600,000 deaths in the '90's were due to weather extremes. 95% of these deaths took place in developing countries.
3. Intense short term temperature fluctuations result in more temperature related deaths from hypothermia and hyperthermia
4. 255,000 die each year from asthma and the number is expected to rise as pollen and man-made particles increase due to global climate changes
5. Population displacement is expected as sea levels rise. More than 50% of the world's population live within 60 km. of the shoreline.
   
6. Water scarcity affects 4 out of 10 people and lack of clean water kills 1.8 million people a year due to diarrhea.
7. Climate sensitive diseases are among the biggest global killers - 3 million people die every year due to diarrhea, malaria or malnutrition.
   
8. Variable rainfalls reduce crop yields resulting in more deaths due to malnutrition.
9. Biking and walking are ways to decrease carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. Cleaner air will decrease respiratory illness. Increased physical activity will result in healthier lives.

Labels: climate change, global health

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