{
  "id": 18020661,
  "title": "Climate change is killing hundreds of thousands—a kidney specialist's concerns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/climate-change-is-killing-hundreds-of-thousands-a-kidney-specialists",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T21:20:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-11-climate-hundreds-thousands-kidney-specialist.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This report reveals that climate change is responsible for an estimated 710,000 deaths worldwide in 2023, with around 71% of these deaths attributed to human-induced warming. Researchers determined this figure by examining the discrepancy between actual heat-related deaths and those expected in a world without climate change. Heat can trigger fatal heatstroke and exacerbate existing conditions like heart and kidney disease.\n\nOver the past four years, the percentage of countries where leaders discussed climate change's health impacts during the UN General Debate has significantly decreased, from 66% in 2021 to 26% in 2025. This reduction in attention comes as Europe experienced record-breaking heat waves during the summer of 2026, resulting in over 50,000 heat-related deaths, with around two-thirds attributable to human-caused warming.\n\nWhile governments may not directly link climate change to health in international speeches, the Lancet Countdown findings indicate that 93% of national climate commitments in 2025 included health. Governments could implement measures like heat-warning systems, cleaner transportation, and building regulations to address the issue without constantly referencing climate change.\n\nAs a kidney physician, one concern is that chronic kidney disease affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Extreme heat can disrupt the delicate balance maintained by kidneys, leading to acute kidney injury, especially among those working in hot conditions or with pre-existing health problems. However, it remains uncertain whether repeated heat exposure accelerates chronic kidney disease in the general population.\n\nAdditionally, pollution may contribute to kidney health issues. A review found associations between exposure to various air pollutants and reduced kidney function. Cleaner energy, which reduces harmful air pollution, can improve health immediately. Urban trees and restored wetlands can also provide shade and manage flooding, benefiting both human health and ecosystems.\n\nThe health care system itself accounts for around 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing waste and unnecessary resource use, the healthcare sector can contribute to a more sustainable environment. Furthermore, protecting biodiversity is crucial, as it plays a significant role in maintaining water, food, and health. Nature also harbors biological solutions that could lead to new medicines, though translating these findings into effective treatments requires extensive research.",
  "summary": "The evidence that climate change threatens human health has never been stronger. Yet a new report suggests that world leaders are giving less attention to its health consequences in international political debate.",
  "key_points": [
    "Climate change caused 710,000 deaths in 2023, with 71% due to heat",
    "UN General Debate attention on climate health impacts dropped from 66% in 2021 to 26% in 2025",
    "Chronic kidney disease affects hundreds of millions; extreme heat can trigger acute kidney injury"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}