Fossil fuels are endangering human health from fetal development through old age, a new global report warned on Monday, urging governments to phase out oil, gas and coal and accelerate a just transition to renewable energy.

The study, titled “Cradle to Grave: The Health Toll of Fossil Fuels and the Imperative for a Just Transition,” was released by the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA), a network of more than 200 health professionals and civil society organisations worldwide. 

It found that fossil fuels inflict damage throughout their life cycle — from extraction to combustion — and remain hazardous even if carbon emissions were halted.

“Fossil fuels directly harm health at every stage of life — from miscarriages in women and leukaemia in children to asthma, cancer, stroke, and mental health disorders,” said Shweta Narayan, GCHA’s campaign lead. “This is not just a climate crisis; it is a public health emergency.”

Bangladesh faces particular risks as its fossil fuel consumption has risen sharply since 2009. The country has expanded its fossil fuel-based power generation capacity about sixfold over the past 15 years, contributing to some of the world’s worst air quality levels.

The report estimated that global subsidies for fossil fuels amount to nearly USD 7 trillion annually, including hidden costs linked to health, environmental damage and social impacts. It stressed that while wealthy populations benefit most from these subsidies, marginalised and vulnerable communities bear the heaviest health burden, exacerbating inequality.

“Enough is enough. Policymakers must stop approving new oil, gas, and coal projects, phase out existing ones, and end the USD 1.3 trillion in subsidies that keep this deadly industry alive,” said Jeni Miller, GCHA’s executive director. “COP30 must be the turning point for real action.”

The report called on governments, civil society, and health professionals to prioritise public health, justice and sustainability by ending dependence on fossil fuels and speeding up the transition to clean energy sources.

The Ambassador further mentioned that the 7th meeting of the EPA was recently held in Tokyo, where both parties indicated the agreement would be signed soon.