The Basics of Climate Change

  • Over 97% of practicing climate scientists, the governments of 195 countries, and virtually all institutions of higher learning and scientific organizations agree Climate Change (CC) is real and due primarily to human dependence on fossil fuels as our main source of power.

  • CC is already having impacts on the planetary environment that are dangerous to our health and to the stability of our societies. The World Health Organization and respected bodies such as the Lancet Commission have identified Climate change as potentially catastrophic for human health and survival (1,2).

  • To fully appreciate the health consequences of fossil fuels, one must take into account both green house gas emissions and  fossil fuel related air and water pollution. Further, we must recognize that the health impacts are many, varied, and not immediately obvious.

  • Dramatic effects on large populations are projected to occur within the next 2 or 4 decades.

  • There are many reasons for optimism as we confront climate change and fossil fuel issues.  However, medical and scientific communities have a responsibility to speak out in a strong and sustained manner to facilitate necessary scientific, political, economic, and social advances.
"Climate scientists agree: climate change is happening here and now. Based on  well-established evidence, about 97 percent of climate scientists have concluded that human-caused climate change is happening."

Report by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2014
1) The Lancet Commissions: Health and climate change: policy responses to protect public  health. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60854-6
2)  Climate change: An opportunity for public health.  Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health (PHE).   http://www.who.int/mediacentre/commentaries/climate-change/en/