The science on the effects of climate change continues to expand. New studies released by Columbia University indicate that by 2080, New York City could experience between 1500 and 3300 more deaths per year from heat. One city, located further north and on the coast than many other large cities, both of which factors tend to moderate the heat.
www.scientificamerican.com/…
The study considers a range of continuing emissions of carbon dioxide, which provides the high and low numbers of deaths. The less we do to stop carbon emissions and switch to cleaner energy sources, the higher the death toll will be. As always, the elderly and the young are at greater risk. So is anyone who works outdoors for a living.
If New York suffers a few thousand more, what could happen in the rest of the country, the Southwest, the Midwest, or the South? Temperatures in the more southern regions and the interior of the US see much warmer summer temperatures than the Northeast now. Temperature projections from NASA would see that trend continue if not increase.
In addition to the study that showed the heat deaths, there was a companion study on the effects on children from climate change as well as pollutants and degradation of air quality that could be expected with continued fossil fuel use. As with the lead in the water in Flint, the pollution would begin to affect children in utero and increase damage with exposure throughout childhood. Many effects would be irreversible.
The combination of rising temperatures from climate change and environmental pollution can have devastating effects on the very young, starting in utero. The combined effects can lead to premature birth and neurodevelopmental problems, some of which can take years to manifest themselves.
Current estimates are that the EPA rules affecting emissions could save lives and a couple trillion dollars in health care costs, lost wages and earnings of those affected. Stronger rules and faster conversion from dependence on fossil fuels will save lives and money. We already have enough damage to the planet that we are going to have negative affects no matter what. But as the Columbia study shows, lower emissions cut the loss of life significantly just from heat related deaths.
We have a public health crisis, it is growing worse the longer we delay significant action to reduce burning fossil fuels. Change or Die. It seems like only one is a good choice.