Our Fragile Planet: 2023’s Wake-Up Call, Part 3 of 4

This year, the entire world has been experiencing rising temperatures, with even Antarctica witnessing its most intense heat wave ever recorded. European health researchers found last week over 61,000 Europeans were killed by extreme heat last summer. Greece, Spain, there are wildfires in Italy, France, and now here in Switzerland. Meanwhile, in Maricopa County, Arizona, the Arizona Department of Public Health reported 202 deaths as heat-associated during the summer, with an additional 356 suspected heat-related deaths under investigation. The wildfires in Hawaii tragically claimed the lives of 97 people. There are more than a thousand wildfires burning throughout Canada. More than 14 million hectares have been burned, that’s twice the previous record in 1989. In North Africa, Algeria experienced scorching temperatures reaching almost 48 degrees Celsius, which fueled wildfires that tragically claimed the lives of at least 34 people. Twenty-five countries are already affected by an extreme lack of water. In South America, both Brazil and Argentina grappled with historic droughts. The water level of the Amazon River dropped to a record low, marking the lowest point in 120 years.

The 2023 Global Report on Food Crises revealed that approximately 258 million people in 58 countries and territories were confronted with acute food insecurity at crisis or even more severe levels. Across East Africa, at least 36 million people are affected, including children who are severely malnourished. Eleven million Ethiopians and 4 million Kenyans are close to starvation. More than 8 million Somalis have nothing to eat. The government estimates at least 200 elephants died because of the drought in 2022. Projections suggest that by 2025, two-thirds of the world's population may confront water shortages. Research also highlights the significant impact of water consumption and water pollution associated with the animal-people livestock raising industry and the cultivation of animal-people feed crops. To preserve our crucial water resources for drinking and vegetable agriculture, switching to the vegan diet is essential.