The Lancet Countdown report has revealed that the 65 million people living in small island nations are facing a dire situation due to the health impacts of climate breakdown. The report, which is the first comprehensive analysis of the state of climate change and health in island states, highlights the increasing risks of heatwaves, drought, insect-borne diseases, and extreme weather events.
According to the report, the climate crisis is exacerbating these risks, putting lives and livelihoods at risk. The report also warns of the potential displacement of over a million people living in low-lying areas of small island developing states as sea levels continue to rise. This displacement, along with the destabilization of the marine environment, is also expected to lead to food insecurity and higher rates of chronic health problems such as diabetes and obesity.
The Lancet Countdown Centre for Small Island Developing States has called for urgent international action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as Sids themselves have low emissions. The director of the centre, Georgiana Gordon-Strachan, emphasized the impact of heat on health, the marine environment, and extreme weather events. She also highlighted the loss of homes and livelihoods as a result of the climate crisis, stating that some islands may even go underwater entirely.
The report serves as a wake-up call for action to protect and promote health in small island nations. The recent Cop29 environmental summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, ended in disappointment for many developing nations, with Sids negotiators even walking out of talks in frustration. The report’s findings warn that without immediate action, the loss and damage caused by climate change will worsen to the point of catastrophe.
The concerning trajectory of these findings highlights the urgent need for global cooperation and action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. It is crucial for high-income countries to take responsibility and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to protect the health and livelihoods of those living in small island nations. Failure to do so will have catastrophic consequences for these vulnerable communities.