World Health Day 2008

The World Health Organization observes World Health Day this week and the focus for 2008 is climate change. Human impact on the climate is now creating serious impact on public health, as witnessed by the annual climate disasters resulting in deaths we have seen in every part of the world.

WHO presents 10 facts we need to know about climate change:

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.

Thank you Chez pim for use of photo Collecting Water, Lesotho.