At the 28th annual U.N. climate conference in Dubai, Hillary Clinton spoke passionately about the increasing fatalities due to climate change.

Clinton's address emphasized the dramatic rise in deaths, particularly citing Europe's 2022 heatwave.

Clinton's speech on December 4, 2023, at COP28 focused on the severity of the issue, highlighting the dire consequences of global warming. She pointed out the alarming increase in climate change-related deaths. "We are seeing and beginning to pay attention and to count and record the deaths that are related to climate. And by far the biggest killer is extreme heat," said Clinton.

Europe's 2022 Heatwave: A Stark Example

During her speech, Clinton referred to a specific instance to illustrate her point. She mentioned the 2022 European heatwave, a catastrophic event that tragically resulted in 61,000 deaths. This example serves to demonstrate the tangible and devastating effects of climate change.

"I mean, even in Europe last summer, which can count and figure out what happened, they recorded 61,000 deaths because of heat in Europe," said Clinton. This remark brings to light the severity of climate change impacts in developed regions, often considered more resilient to such disasters.

Clinton also highlighted the broader impact of climate change on human lives. She estimated around 500,000 deaths globally, predominantly affecting women and girls, including pregnant women. This statistic brings a human face to the often abstract concept of climate change, emphasizing its severe and unequal impacts.

Countering Views on Climate-Related Deaths

However, contrasting views emerged in the discourse on climate-related fatalities. A UN report indicates a significant decrease in deaths due to climate disasters over the last century. This report found a 99% decline in such deaths, presenting a different perspective on the issue.

Environmental researcher Bjørn Lomborg echoed similar findings. Lomborg reported a 96% decrease in average climate-related deaths from the 1920s to the period between 2010 and 2019. He noted:

Fewer and fewer people die from climate-related natural disasters. This is even true of 2021, despite breathless climate reporting.

These contrasting statistics raise questions about the actual trend of climate-related fatalities. While Clinton's speech painted a grim picture, the data from the U.N. and Lomborg provide a somewhat more optimistic outlook, indicating progress in reducing climate disaster deaths.

The Debate Over Climate Change's Impact

The discrepancy between Clinton's assertions and the findings of the U.N. report and Lomborg's research highlights the complexity of the climate change issue. It raises important questions about the methods of data collection and interpretation in understanding the true impact of climate change.

It also underscores the need for continued research and informed debate on the subject. The varying perspectives on climate change's impact on human life call for a nuanced understanding of the issue beyond mere statistics and figures.

As such, the dialogue around climate change remains contentious. The differing views on its impact reflect the ongoing debate in the scientific and political communities about the best ways to address and mitigate its effects.

Women and Girls are Disproportionately Affected

Clinton's emphasis on the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls is particularly noteworthy. Her claim that the majority of the estimated 500,000 global climate change deaths are women and girls, especially pregnant women, highlights a critical aspect of the climate crisis.

This focus brings attention to the gendered dimensions of climate change. It suggests that women and girls, particularly in vulnerable populations, face greater risks and challenges due to the changing climate.

The specific mention of pregnant women among the victims underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies. It points to the necessity of considering gender in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Understanding the Global Impact of Climate Change

Clinton's address at COP28, while alarming, brings much-needed attention to the human cost of climate change. Her speech aims to galvanize global action and underscores the urgent need for effective climate policies. However, the contrasting data on climate disaster deaths remind us of the complexity of the issue. It calls for a careful examination of the various factors contributing to the impacts of climate change.

• Hillary Clinton spoke at COP28 about the increasing number of deaths due to climate change.
• Clinton cited the 2022 European heatwave, with 61,000 deaths and an estimated 500,000 global deaths.
• U.N. report and researcher Bjørn Lomborg indicate a decline in climate disaster deaths over the last century.
• The debate over the impact of climate change continues, highlighting the need for further research and action.