Page 94 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT DECEMBER 2023

Preparing for and responding

to the health and security

impacts of climate change

To effectively tackle these challenges, businesses must proactively
integrate sustainable practices

By Kathy Brett
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Published: Thu 7 Dec 2023, 9:23 PM
Last updated: Thu 7 Dec 2023, 9:24 PM

As the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) opens its
doors to world leaders, the urgency to address the myriad of pressing issues
brought about the climate change has become more critical. Climate change
stands as one of the most significant crises of our times, not only threatening
the natural environment but also posing a severe risk to human health and

well-being.
Recent scientific observations indicate that the last 12 months marked the
warmest period ever recorded in human history. October emerged as the

hottest month, with global temperatures soaring 1.7C above late-1800s levels.
Shockingly, one in four individuals faced intense heat waves, and a
staggering 90 per cent of the global population experienced a minimum of
ten days of high temperatures. This alarming trend can be directly attributed
to the 1.2C rise in the planet’s temperature since the Industrial Revolution,

primarily fuelled by human activities releasing heat-trapping gases into the
atmosphere.

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From heatwaves, droughts, and floods to hurricanes and wildfires, climate
change is the direct cause of many humanitarian crises. In addition to its

adverse impacts on the planet, these climate change-driven events also
cause various respiratory ailments, food insecurity, water scarcity, social
unrest, and conflict, as well as water and vector-borne diseases. The World
Health Organisation states that the severe impacts of climate change on the

health and well-being of humankind is accelerating at a rather faster pace.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/cop/preparing-for-and-responding-to-the-health-and-security-impacts-
of-climate-change