A Bangladeshi climate scientist claims that climate change could be a cause of a six-month reduction in human life. A new study estimates that an increase in temperature and precipitation cycles could be a cause of an average six-month reduction in the lifespan. Deaths include both direct (natural disasters, floods, and heatwaves) and indirect (due to mental health issues) causes.
The sole author of the research, Professor Imtiaz Rai from Shah Jalal University in Bangladesh and the New School for Social Research in the United States used temperature and precipitation data from over 190 countries for more than 80 years for the study. The study reveals that if the global temperature rises by two degrees Celsius, life expectancy could be reduced by up to six months.
The reasons for this occurrence in the research are attributed to global dry spells and crop failures causing famine, mental illnesses, and premature deaths. However, it was also clarified that women will be most affected, with an expected reduction in their life expectancy by up to 10 months.
The study emphasizes that the most significant impact will be on women, with an expected reduction in their life expectancy by up to 10 months. The findings highlight the vulnerability of women to the adverse effects of climate change on health and well-being.
Professor Imtiaz Rai's research further points out that the global implications of prolonged droughts and disruptions in agricultural cycles can lead to widespread food shortages. These shortages, coupled with extreme weather events, contribute to malnutrition and food insecurity, resulting in adverse health outcomes and, ultimately, a decrease in life expectancy.
In addition to the direct physical impact of climate-related disasters, the study underscores the importance of addressing the mental health consequences. The increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events can contribute to elevated stress levels, anxiety, and depression, leading to a rise in mental health issues across populations.
The research urges for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. It emphasizes the need for global cooperation to address the root causes of climate change and implement policies that protect vulnerable populations, especially women, from its detrimental effects on health and longevity.
As the world grapples with the implications of climate change, Professor Rai's study serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to mitigate the impact on human life and safeguard the well-being of present and future generations.