Climate change affects people's lives in a variety of ways. Significant changes in climate and the environment can exacerbate existing health problems, as well as new ones.
In this article, we will look at the extreme dangers posed by climate change in human life and discuss who could be most at risk for its effects.
Impact of public health
Changes in air quality from climate change can affect a person's physical and mental health.
Extreme weather and heat, increased pollution and environmental toxins, and changes in food security can all cause physical and mental health problems.
Climate change affects some of the key factors that affect human health, including:
safety of residence
air quality
quality, safety, and supply of drinking water
food security
nutritional levels in the diet
As climate change continues, researchers expect an increase in health-related issues.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), researchers predict that certain effects of climate change will contribute to the growth of an estimated 250,000 people a year between 2030 and 2050 from conditions such as:
heat stress
malnutrition
diarrhea
malaria
Climate change may also contribute to migration, as factors such as drought and declining fish stocks could lead to more people moving to rural areas.
Living in urban areas can increase the risk of disease due to overcrowding and high temperatures.
Mental health
Extreme weather and natural disasters can be devastating and depressing for people affected.
People may leave their homes, get hurt, lose their homes and possessions, or lose loved ones.
High fever can also have a significant effect on people with mental health conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates are rising at higher temperatures.
The CDC recommends that climate change and high temperatures have a negative impact on stress and other mental health conditions.
Extreme temperatures can also change how certain medications, such as schizophrenia treatment, work in the body. In addition, they can affect people's ability to regulate their body temperature effectively.
Researchers have found that natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, have serious psychological consequences for those affected, including post-traumatic stress disorder and high anxiety. Floods, heat waves, and wildfires can also cause these problems.
Anxiety about the effects of climate change can also be a source of additional anxiety or despair for some people.
Learn more about eco concerns in this article.
Infectious diseases
According to the WHO, climate change is likely to result in an increase in insect-borne diseases and waterborne diseases.
The reason for this is that climate change can increase the length of periods during which insects transmit disease. These changes can also increase the area in which they occur.
Countries such as the United States may be at risk of an epidemic of waterborne diseases and pests.
Changes in rainfall patterns can also increase the risk of waterborne and infectious diseases causing diarrhea.
Temperature-related conditions
Rising temperatures can cause or exacerbate many serious health problems. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause:
body temperature
heat exhaustion
cramps
deterioration of existing conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular conditions
death
Significant changes in temperature may have a profound effect on certain groups of people:
children
older adults
people with chronic health conditions
people with low economic stability
people who are isolated from society
those living in urban areas, where temperatures will be several degrees warmer than areas in a few buildings
The increase in extreme weather poses a serious threat to health. Hot, dry and dry conditions can cause:
dust storms
wildfires
declining water supply and quality
low air quality
lack of food
All of these things can have serious effects on a person's health, including:
an increased risk of infection
injury
burning
respiratory problems arising from exposure to smoke
malnutrition
death
Extreme flooding and severe flooding can be very dangerous. According to the CDC, about 98 people die each year in the U.S. Because of the floods.
While the immediate dangers of flooding include drowning and damage from damaged buildings, other flood hazards include:
exposure to toxic chemicals in running
migration and homelessness, which can affect physical and mental health
an increase in respiratory infections from moist areas
mold, which can reduce indoor air quality
Air pollution
Increased air pollution can pose a serious health risk. High levels of dust, ozone, and fine particles in the air can all reduce air quality and cause or increase a range of health problems, including:
asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
cough and irritation of the throat
inflammation of the lungs
risk of lung cancer
air traffic congestion
chest pain
heart disease
Allergeners
Warmer temperatures can lead to an increase in pollen production. Increased carbon dioxide levels can lead to higher plant allergies.
As a result, people can get the following results:
high sensitivity to allergens
asthma, including chronic or recurrent asthma
an increase in other respiratory conditions
The combination of warm weather and heavy rainfall can lead to an increase in humidity and mildew, including mildew, indoors. These conditions can also cause respiratory problems.
Food safety
Climate change affects crops and food production. Food prices can go up, which can lead to people having healthy eating habits. Malnutrition can lead to hunger, malnutrition, or obesity.
According to the CDC, the nutritional value of certain foods may decrease as a result of climate change. Experts predict that an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and changes in soil structures will create fewer nutrients in more plants.
The potential increase in pests will also mean that farmers need to use a greater number of herbicides and pesticides. These substances can be toxic to vegetarians, as well as to those who eat them.
Learn more about whether pesticides are harmful to human health in this article.
Developmental and neurological problems
Exposure to natural toxins and the effects of climate change can adversely affect neurological health.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, scientists believe that environmental factors play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Toxins in food and water can also lead to health issues in the developing fetus.
For example, climate change can cause harmful algal eruptions, which increase biotoxins in fish and seafood. Increased heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, contaminating seafood can lead to a decrease in IQ in the developing fetus.
Who is most at risk?
While all humans are likely to experience the effects of climate change, some parts of the world are more vulnerable than others.
Areas most at risk of the health effects of climate change include:
coastal regions
mountainous regions
polar regions
small islands
major cities
countries that do not have health care facilities
developing countries
Certain groups of people are also at greater risk for the health risks of climate change. Includes:
children, especially those living in developing countries
older adults
people with certain existing health conditions
people who suffer economically
people who are isolated from society
Summary
Climate change poses a serious threat to human health in many ways.
Natural disasters and extreme weather events can cause injuries, mental health issues, increased risk of infection and death. Damage to infrastructure can also cause long-term health and social problems.
An increase in pollution, toxins, and allergens in the environment can all lead to an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Children and adults are at greater risk for health issues related to climate change, as are people in less economically developed areas.
Dealing with climate change is important to help limit these effects and health risks.