The Climate Book

Thunberg likens climate change to a fever: Both are symptoms that something is wrong. The exploitation and overconsumption practiced by the privileged have caused climate change. The implications of climate change are like boiling water: “[Y]ou know that the water will boil at 100°C. But you cannot predict exactly where the first bubble will appear” (132). The COVID-19 pandemic caused global disruption. Most pandemics originate in other animals; by eliminating natural environments, humans degrade the boundary between themselves of other animals, increasing zoonotic disease transmission, as a World Health Organization (WHO) executive noted in a 2021 speech. By prioritizing short-term financial gains, observes Thunberg, humanity has created a sustainability crisis.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, discusses how climate-related health issues arise from changes in disease transmission, heatwaves, and food and water shortages. People in developing nations and those who are disadvantaged are more vulnerable to climate-related health issues; however, no one is safe from the implications of climate change.

Several countries recognize the need for strategies to address climate-related health issues, but few low-income countries receive assistance. Ghebreyesus calls for global solidarity. He is hopeful because actions to combat climate change also benefit human health, such as walking or cycling instead of driving, creating urban green spaces, and eating plant-based foods.