Issue Number: 279 | March 21, 2019

 

UN calls for ‘urgent action’ amid new study warning millions of premature deaths by 2050

Millions of people in Asia, Middle East and Africa could suffer from premature deaths by 2050—that is according to the new report by the United Nations.

The report collated by 250 scientists across 70+ countries warned that air and water pollution will become the top causes of mortality by year 2050. Scientists also predict anti-microbial resistance in freshwater systems due to pollutants and could disrupt child neuro-development and endocrine health, affecting the male and female fertility.

“Our key message is that a healthy planet enables healthy human life - and that the planet is becoming increasingly unhealthy and this is impacting our health,” Joyeeta Gupta, one of the leading scientists said. “The causes of an unhealthy planet need to be addressed.”

Smoke from the automobile and manufacturing industry as well as coal and wood burning have caused air pollution to worsen—resulting to an estimate 7 million deaths yearly. Almost 1.5 million people on the other hand die each year brought by poor water conditions.

The United Nations have appealed for “urgent action” as a response to the alarming report. Food wastage—where one-third of global edible food is being wasted were addressed as well, with the intergovernmental organization suggesting meat-free diet and reduced carbon emissions from the agricultural sector.

“The Global Environment Outlook has a very clear message: we cannot transform the world by tweaking around the edges,” said Joyce Msuya, acting executive director of UN Environment.

“We need to look at transforming how we produce and consume in the areas of food, energy and waste to ensure a healthy future for all.” Msuya added.

The 740-page report was released at the UN Environment Assembly, a five-day summit that gathered environment ministers to create a plan towards a more sustainable planet.

 

 

SOURCES:

1. UN warns of millions of premature deaths by 2050 due to environmental damage. (March 14, 2019)Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/un-warns-of-millions-of-premature-deaths-by-2050-due-to-environmental-damage/

2. Millions to Die Prematurely in Asia, Africa by 2050: UN. (March 13, 2019). Retrieved from https://weather.com/en-IN/india/pollution/news/2019-03-14-millions-to-die-prematurely-in-asia-africa-by-2050-un