The year 2023 witnessed record-breaking temperatures globally, signalling the urgent need for climate action as adverse climate-related health impacts continue to escalate, affecting billions worldwide. In Europe, where temperatures are rising twice as fast as the global average, the health of populations is increasingly threatened, leading to preventable loss of life. To address this pressing issue,
The Lancet Countdown in Europe was established in 2021, aiming to assess the health impacts of climate change and stimulate social and political will for swift health-responsive climate mitigation and adaptation actions. Building upon its inaugural indicator report published in 2022, this new report tracks 42 indicators to underscore the detrimental effects of climate change on human health, the delayed climate action of European nations, and the overlooked opportunities to enhance health through climate-responsive actions. With improved methodologies and the addition of nine new indicators covering various aspects such as infectious diseases, food security, emissions, and climate engagement, the report also sheds light on regional and global inequalities and the imperative for climate justice.
