Change climate and health

Climate change consists mainly of global warming, a result of the so-called greenhouse effect, which is caused by certain gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), produced mainly through the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. Global warming is a severe threat for future populations because it can cause a considerable rise in sea levels, a greater frequency and intensity of extreme meteorological phenomena and even the extinction of certain animal and plant species. In the field of health, global warming is predicted to cause a considerable increase in the incidence of diseases such as heat stroke and vector-borne infections, the start of which has already been observed. All countries of the world must therefore adopt the necessary measures to drastically reduce the emission of gases that produce a greenhouse effect. Additionally, healthcare practitioners should assume an active role in helping to raise awareness in our society about the severity of the problem and ensuring that healthcare systems are duly prepared to address the increase in disease rates predicted for global warming. The Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) has decided to step forward, with its incorporation into the multinational project Lancet Countdown. SEMI is the first Spanish organisation to join this initiative.