Report Further Documents the Dire Consequences of Global Warming

(Washington, DC) A report released today by the National Environmental Trust, Clear the Air, U.S. PIRG and Physicians for Social Responsibility demonstrates increased heat deaths because of global warming.  As temperatures increase, the intensity and duration of heat waves and heat related events also should increase putting more and more Americans at risk.
 
“Several years ago PSR produced ‘Death by Degrees,’ which looked at the various health impacts of global warming.  At that time we noted that a marked increase in deaths related to increased temperatures was likely to result, and this report backs that up.  The medical and public health communities are concerned about all the health risks associated with global warming, and we call on Congress and the president to act now to minimize these catastrophic results,” said Dr. Michael McCally, executive director for Physicians for Social Responsibility.

The ‘Death by Degrees’ report noted that the poor, elderly, young and those with compromised immune systems will be the most affected by heat related events.  Heat stroke can cause death immediately or can lead to complications that cause organ failure in the victim. 

The latest report on heat mortality was prepared after modeling was conducted by Dr. Larry Kalkstein and Dr. Scott Greene.  The two were commissioned by National Environmental Trust to consider the impacts of heat waves and heat related events created by global warming. To read the report click here. To view supplementary tables with additional data on projected heat-related deaths, click here.

PSR is working with other organizations for the passage of mandatory controls on greenhouse gas emissions.  A 20% reduction in these emissions is necessary by 2020 with an 80% reduction by mid-century in order to slow, stop and reverse global warming and its catastrophic consequences.