News Outlets Examine COP21 Negotiations’ Potential Impacts On Food Security, Disease

IRIN: COP21: Food — the big picture
“Global food security is not just about how much we grow. To achieve it, we need to look at the bigger picture, particularly at the way in which water and energy needs underpin production. Climate change threatens all of that. Rainfall variability directly affects crop production, but also energy generation (think of hydropower) — essential to grow, store, process, and move food…” (del Bello, 12/7).

IRIN: COP21: A turning point?
“…Paris will not be a magic bullet, but can it at least be a turning point? Can there be agreement on the emissions cuts necessary to stop runaway global warming? Can the financing be put in place to help the majority of the world adapt, and find a sustainable development path? This IRIN special feature explores these critical issues. It will be added to over the course of the summit, so keep checking back…” (11/26).

NPR: Climate Change Is Killing Us, Literally — And Here’s How
“…Germs of all kinds, as well as mosquitoes and other disease carriers, will live longer in warmer weather because cold kills them. They’ll find more areas with the hot, humid conditions they need to thrive. … The impact could be devastating. According to the World Health Organization, between 2030 and 2050, the world will see an additional 250,000 deaths a year from malaria, malnutrition, diarrhea, and heat stress as a result of climate change…” (Brink, 12/7).

VOA News: Studies: Deadly Smog, Toxic Water Already Linked to Climate Change
“…Globally, air pollution kills millions of people every year, including more than 627,000 in India alone, according to the World Health Organization. … In Paris on Saturday, doctors, nurses, and other health professionals called on governments to reach a strong agreement about climate change at the U.N. negotiations…” (Pearson, 12/7).

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