BEIJING, Nov. 26 — Curbing climate change could save millions of lives by reducing preventable deaths from heart and lung diseases, a new study suggested Wednesday.

The report, published by the British medical review The Lancet in a special issue, said that global warming will imperil health through malaria, cholera, heatwaves and hunger, but these problems can be eased or avoided if actions on climate change are taken immediately.

The report examined policies to reduce emissions from households, transport, electricity generation and agriculture in both developed and developing countries.

Researchers found that cutting carbon dioxide emissions would reduce many types of air pollution, especially tiny particles that lodge in the lungs and cause direct health damage.

Other benefits could come from encouraging more exercise and less meat consumption to improve heart health, according to the report.

Some scientists praised the study and said the research was sound.

“The science is really excellent; the modeling is quite good,” said Dr. Paul Epstein of the Harvard School of Medicine’s Center for Health and the Global Environment. “It really takes the whole field a step farther.” 

On Xinhua Web site: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/26/content_12543736.htm