“Climate Change: A Global Crisis Impacting Health and Well-being”

In recent years, the world has experienced extreme weather events that have had a profound impact on human health and well-being. From extreme heatwaves to devastating storms and flooding, it is clear that climate change is affecting our lives in numerous ways. The World Health Organisation has warned that climate change poses a significant threat to essential elements of good health, such as clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food, and safe shelter.

According to the WHO, between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea, and heat stress. The direct costs to health are estimated to be between $2 and 4 billion per year by 2030, with developing countries being the least able to cope without assistance.

A recent study conducted in India by the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research in Chennai revealed that working in extreme heat can double the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage for pregnant women. This underscores the urgent need for action to address the impact of climate change on human health.

In light of these challenges, a significant public interest litigation was filed in the Madras High Court last week by G. Sundarrajan of the environmental NGO Poovulagin Nanbargal. The plea highlights the absence of a climate change component in the environmental impact assessment process for large-scale construction projects. The petitioner argues that climate change should be a crucial consideration in assessing the impact of such projects on the environment and public health.

The First Division Bench of the Madras High Court has called on the Centre to respond to the plea within two weeks, signaling the potential significance of this case in addressing the urgent need to incorporate climate change considerations into development projects. As countries around the world take steps to mitigate the impact of climate change, it is essential for India to enact laws that will help conserve gains and prevent further environmental degradation.

As the global community grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, it is clear that urgent action is needed to protect human health and well-being. The case before the Madras High Court serves as a reminder of the critical importance of considering climate change in all aspects of development and decision-making.