A new report commissioned by 20 different governments states that more than 100 million people will die by 2030 if nothing is done to tackle climate change. Global economic growth will also be cut by 3.2% of gross domestic product (GDP).
The report was authored by the humanitarian organization DARA. Global temperatures are on the rise due to greenhouse gas emissions. While scientists disagree on mankind’s role in global warming, there’s no denying that record melts at the polar ice caps, extreme weather, drought and rising sea levels will threaten populations and livelihoods.
Currently, it’s been estimated that about 5 million people die each year from air pollution, hunger and disease as a result of climate change and carbon-intensive economies. That annual toll will likely rise by 2030 if current patterns of fossil fuel use continue.
More than 90% of these deaths will occur in developing countries. The report calculated the human and economic impact of climate change on 184 countries. The report was commissioned by Climate Vulnerable Forum, a partnership of 20 developing countries threatened by climate change.
“A combined climate-carbon crisis is estimated to claim 100 million lives between now and the end of the next decade,” states the report. Climate change has lowered the global economic output by 1.6%, which is about $1.2 trillion a year. These losses could double by 2030 if global temperatures are allowed to rise. They will surpass 10% before 2100.
Economists have stated that an investment of 2% of the world’s global GDP was needed to limit, prevent, and adapt to climate change. This could reduce global consumption per head by up to 20%. The world’s poorest nations are the most vulnerable, as they are faced with risks of drought, water shortages, crop failures, poverty and disease. They could see an 11% drop in GDP by 2030.
The USA and China could see a drop of 2.1% off their GDP by 2030, while India could lose more than 5%.