The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected that the direct health damage caused by climate change could cost up to $4 billion annually by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for global action.
The estimate, revealed in a recent report, highlights the growing strain on healthcare systems due to climate-induced challenges such as heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
Societal Risks of Climate Misinformation
In a related development, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has raised concerns over the role of misinformation and disinformation in exacerbating climate-related challenges.
The organization warned that both foreign and domestic actors could exploit climate issues to fuel societal and political divides over the next two years.
The WEF report noted that misinformation could lead to increased civil unrest and potentially drive governments toward censorship, propaganda, and restrictions on free speech.
Social Impacts of Rising Temperatures
Adding to the concerns, a study by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) revealed a 4.5% increase in intimate partner violence in three South Asian countries following a 1°C rise in annual mean temperature.
The study attributes this spike to heightened stress and resource scarcity driven by changing climate patterns.
Calls for Global Action
These findings come amid growing calls for coordinated efforts to mitigate climate change’s far-reaching effects.
Experts are urging governments to integrate health-focused climate policies and address the societal risks posed by misinformation.
The WHO and WEF have emphasized the need for robust public awareness campaigns and international cooperation to tackle these multifaceted challenges.
As climate-related issues continue to intensify, global leaders are under increasing pressure to translate policy into concrete action ahead of COP30.