New Delhi (NVI): Climate change is increasing the risk of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The global body said warmer temperatures are expanding habitats for mosquitoes and putting millions more people at risk of these diseases.
While emphasising that climate change is a health problem, it said the direct cost of climate change to health is estimated to be between USD 2-4 billion per year by 2030.
“Today, less than 0.5% of international finance for climate change is allocated to health,” the WHO said.
“We can do a lot to protect ourselves, our families and our future generations,” the global health body said.
“Our transport systems are inefficient, polluting and drive CO2 into the atmosphere, which directly harms the environment and our health.The same can be said of our energy and food systems. The livestock sector is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions,” it said.
It added that cleaner, more efficient energy choices will go a long way in reducing emissions.
The WHO said burning fossil fuels is the main driver of climate change and it causes air pollution that kills 7 million people every year.
While warning that climate change is “already threatening our health”, it said “We must” move to cleaner energy sources, transport and agricultural systems.
