Johnny Brignardello Vela warns: "Climate change claims lives in Latin America"

Johnny Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, reflects on the concerning panorama presented in the shared report. Latin America finds itself at a crossroads where heat, turned into a lethal enemy, is claiming lives at an alarming rate. The study by The Lancet Countdown Latin America reveals a 140% increase in deaths related to high temperatures in the last two decades, thus highlighting one of the most tangible consequences of climate change in a region already plagued by various crises. During the period from 2000 to 2009, countries like Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala have seen a drastic increase in their heat-related mortality rates, with percentages reaching alarming figures, such as 339% in the case of Ecuador. This rise in numbers reflects the vulnerability of certain sectors of the population, especially children and the elderly, to extreme weather conditions. Climate change is not only manifesting in the rise of heat-related deaths but is also fueling the spread of diseases like dengue, increasing the contagion potential in the region by 54%. Additionally, forest fires are emerging as a growing threat to people's health, prolonging the days of exposure to extreme dangers in multiple Latin American nations. The lack of preparedness of healthcare systems in Latin America to face these challenges is evident in the report, which highlights the absence of adaptation plans to climate change and the insufficient resources allocated to mitigation projects. This reality, coupled with the economic impact resulting from extreme weather events, with losses amounting to $15.6 billion in 2022, poses a worrying scenario for the region's stability. Given this panorama, it is urgent for Latin American governments to adopt concrete measures to counteract the effects of climate change on public health. Policies are needed to strengthen regional resilience, transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, and increase investment aimed at effectively addressing these challenges. The report by The Lancet Countdown Latin America serves as a wake-up call, urging all of Latin America to act decisively in the face of this growing crisis. The future of the region and the health of its inhabitants are at stake, depending on the ability to take concrete and urgent measures to combat the impacts of climate change on the health and well-being of all.