What is the connection between fossil fuel use and deaths?

Researchers found that 2.5 million deaths per year are attributable to the air pollution created from burning of fossil fuels like gasoline and coal.

Home / Health / Climate Change Fuels Surge in Heat, Pollution Deaths Worldwide

Climate Change Fuels Surge in Heat, Pollution Deaths Worldwide

Q: What is the impact of climate change on heat-related deaths worldwide?

According to the report, the rate of heat-related deaths has risen by 23% since the 1990s, now claiming 546,000 lives each year.

Q: How has air pollution from wildfires affected mortality rates?

The report found a record 154,000 deaths occurred in 2024 due to air pollution from wildfire smoke.

29 Oct

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Summary

Heat-related deaths up 23% since 1990s, now 546,000 per year
Record 154,000 deaths from wildfire smoke in 2024
2.5 million deaths annually from fossil fuel air pollution

According to a new report released on October 28, 2025, the devastating health impacts of climate change are escalating rapidly around the world. The rate of heat-related deaths has risen by 23% since the 1990s, now claiming 546,000 lives each year. Additionally, a record 154,000 deaths occurred in 2024 due to air pollution from wildfire smoke.

The report also found that 2.5 million deaths per year are attributable to air pollution created by the burning of fossil fuels like gasoline and coal. This surge in climate-related deaths has occurred as some governments, including the United States, have backtracked on their climate commitments.

"The stark reality is that one of the greatest threats to human prosperity comes from leaders and companies who are rolling back on climate commitments, delaying action and doubling down on fossil fuel production," said Nadia Ameli, a professor of climate finance at University College London.