Climate Emergency Forum focuses on the severe health impacts of extreme heat, particularly on vulnerable populations like pregnant women, infants, and prisoners. It highlights that heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
This video was recorded on August 21st, 2024, and published on September 1st, 2024, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.
The speakers discuss how heat exposure during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, reduced blood flow to the placenta, and an increased risk of preterm birth and stillbirth.
The conversation also addresses the long-term effects of heat exposure on infants, including cognitive deficits, motor delays, and increased risk of chronic health issues later in life. The speakers emphasize that heat-related deaths are often underreported or misattributed to other causes, masking the true extent of the problem. They also discuss the urban heat island effect, which exacerbates heat risks in cities, and the challenges of adaptation, such as the increased use of air conditioning contributing to further emissions.
The dialogue concludes by highlighting the progress made in addressing heat waves since the 2003 European heat wave, but stresses that much more needs to be done. The speakers call for better education about heat risks, improved reporting of heat-related deaths, and more accessible cooling solutions, particularly for vulnerable populations. They also emphasize the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the worsening impacts of climate change.
Heat-related mortality in Europe during 2023 and the role of adaptation in protecting health
Low Birth-Weight Babies: Understanding 8 Effects on Cognitive Growth
Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute
Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University
Regina Valdez - Program Director, Climate Reality Project, NYC. GreenFaith Fellow and LEED Green Associate
Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader
Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.
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