A global report released today revealed that fossil fuels harm life at every stage, from fetal development to old age, raising alarm for Bangladesh, which has seen its fossil fuel consumption increase significantly since 2009.
Bangladesh’s air often ranks the worst in the world after the country aggressively expanded its fossil fuel-based power generation capacity by about sixfold over the last one and a half decades.
Fossil fuels are inflicting serious damage to human health at every stage from their extraction to consumption, said the report titled “Cradle to Grave: The Health Toll of Fossil Fuels and the Imperative for a Just Transition.”
The Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA), a consortium of more than 200 health professionals and civil society organisations and networks from around the world, examines the impact of oil, gas, and coal on human health worldwide.
“Fossil fuels directly harm health at every stage of life—from miscarriages in women and leukemia in children to asthma, cancer, stroke, and mental health disorders,” Shweta Narayan, campaign lead at GCHA, was quoted as saying in a press release.
“Even if carbon emissions could be halted tomorrow, fossil fuels would continue to poison our air, water, and bodies. This is not just a climate crisis—it is a public health emergency,” said Shweta.
The report highlights that fossil fuels receive nearly $7 trillion in global subsidies annually, which includes hidden costs linked to health, environment, and social damage, the press release said.
While the wealthy are the main beneficiaries, the marginalized and vulnerable communities are left to suffer the worst health consequences, with inequalities deepening in societies, the report said.
The press release urges a swift and fair transition to renewable energy to avert escalating crises.
“Enough is enough. Policymakers must stop approving new oil, gas, and coal projects, phase out existing ones, and end the USD 1.3 trillion in subsidies that keep this deadly industry alive. COP30 must be the turning point for real action,” Jeni Miller, executive director of GCHA, was quoted in the press release.
The report concluded with a call to governments, civil society, and health professionals to end dependence on fossil fuels and prioritize public health, justice, and a sustainable future.
Courtesy: UNB
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
