The 2022 South America report of The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: trust the science. Now that we know, we must act

The health of South American populations is being severely impacted by increasing climate change-driven environmental changes. Exacerbated by increased social inequities and vulnerability, deforestation, land degradation, and global climate variabilities in sea temperature, can potentially lead to extreme weather and climate events, magnifying the negative effects of climate change on health. Understanding the direct and indirect exposure routes to climate hazards and the effects on health and wellbeing is critical to design successful and effective evidence-based adaptation and mitigation plans and policies.