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ELECTION 2018
heat waves. In 2018, these vulnerable populations result in cleaner air, safer cities, and more nutritious
experienced 220 million heat wave exposures glob- food, coupled with renewed investment in health
ally, breaking the previous record of 209 million set systems and vital infrastructure. This second path —
in 2015. which limits the global average temperature rise to
The Paris Agreement has set a target of “holding the “well below 2°C”— is possible, and would transform
increase in the global average temperature to well the health of a child born today for the better, right
below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing the way through their life.
efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1·5°C.” Global per capita use of electric vehicles increased
In a world that matches this ambition, a child born by 20.6 per cent between 2015 and 2016, and now
today would see the phase-out of all coal in the UK represents 1·8 per cent of China’s total transportation
and Canada by their sixth and 11th birthday; they fuel use.
would see France ban the sale of petrol and diesel In several cases, the economic savings from a
cars by their 21st birthday; and they would be 31 years healthier and more productive workforce, with few-
old by the time the world reaches net-zero in 2050, er health-care expenses, will cover the initial invest-
with the UK’s recent commitment to reach this goal ment costs of these interventions. Similarly, cities and
one of many to come. health systems are becoming more resilient to the
effects of climate change; about 50 per cent of coun-
ALTERNATE FOR KIDS tries and 69 per cent of cities surveyed reported
The changes seen in this alternate pathway could efforts to conduct national health adaptation plans
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