Caribbean / Latin America: climate change will bring greater healthcare risks
Written by David FletcherA UN report has warned that tens of millions in coastal areas of the Caribbean and Latin America face severe healthcare and infrastructure risks due to climate change-induced extreme weather. The UN sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) states that around 41 million people, or 6% of the region's population, are at risk from storm surges, flooding, and hurricanes. This includes 17% of the Caribbean population. Vulnerable groups, especially women and girls, are disproportionately affected. The report, using satellite imagery, identified over 1,400 key hospitals in at-risk coastal areas; in some Caribbean nations over 80% of hospitals are in these vulnerable zones. This year a highly active Atlantic hurricane season, exacerbated by hotter ocean waters and the La Nina phenomenon, is expected. The report coincides with a meeting in Antigua of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) leaders to discuss climate change impacts and economic solutions.
Additional Info
- Pray: for this report to be a wake-up call for the governments of the affected countries. Pray for wisdom about what can be done. (Psalm 46:2)
- More: www.reuters.com/world/americas/climate-change-threatens-low-lying-caribbean-hospitals-un-says-2024-05-28/