Introduction
Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time, and it affects all aspects of our lives, including our health. Climate change refers to the long-term fluctuations in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events caused by factors like increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities such as transportation and agriculture. Climate change affects human health in a variety of ways, from exacerbating pre-existing health conditions to increasing the chances of heatstroke, respiratory diseases, and insect-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
It is essential to know the consequences of climate change on public health as it impacts most of humankind not just affected individuals. Therefore, this article aims to provide an insight into the direct and indirect effects of climate change on human health.
Direct Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health
Rising temperatures, changing patterns of precipitation, and more frequent extreme weather events have direct effects on human health. Climate change creates fundamental changes in the ecosystem, leading to changes in natural habitats, animal migration patterns, and life cycles of insects like mosquitos and ticks. As a result, humans become prone to under-presented and emerging vector-borne diseases. Moreover, environmental pollution caused by human activities and natural phenomena such as severe wildfires increases the likelihood of developing respiratory illnesses and other health problems.
Heat Waves
Heatwaves are one of the most dangerous effects of climate change on the individual’s health. Extended exposure to excessive heat can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, heatstroke, and even death. Besides, children, the elderly, people with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, and outdoor workers are at particular risk for heat-related illnesses.
Air Pollution
Climate change exacerbates environmental pollution problems such as smog and poor air quality. Air pollution causes respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. The impact of air pollution on health is more significant in highly populated areas and near industrial setups.
Spread of Diseases by Insects like Mosquitos and Ticks
Climate change leads to a faster spread of diseases borne by insects such as mosquitos and ticks. As temperatures rise, insects can survive freezes, expanding their geographic range. Furthermore, flooding from heavy rainfall events can cause stagnant water across larger regions, providing perfect breeding habitats for mosquitoes. Thus, climate change expands the range and prevalence of insect-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus, negatively contributing to the overall health of individuals.
Exacerbation of Pre-existing Health Conditions
Climate change does not only pose new hazards to human health. Individuals who suffer from pre-existing health conditions will likely be at higher risk of developing health complications. For individuals with underlying health conditions such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections, exposure to environmental stressors like increased pollen counts or poor air quality can trigger the onset of symptoms.
Allergies
Climate change will increase the prevalence of allergies as higher temperatures extend pollen seasons and trigger the growth of allergenic weeds. Long-lasting pollen seasons may cause more severe allergies, leading to increased visits to healthcare providers for allergies.
Respiratory Diseases
Climate change and environmental pollution exposure increases the possibility of respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide are the major pollutants that have shown impacts on human respiratory health. Individuals living in urban areas near factories and with little access to clean air have the highest risk of developing respiratory illnesses.
Preventative Measures
Individuals who have underlying health conditions should adopt preventive measures to avoid aggravating their health. These measures include using air purifiers, using allergy medications, and avoiding exposure to outdoor pollution or high pollen counts. Besides, people should visit a physician regularly, keep an eye on their intake of medications, and follow a balanced diet.
Mental Health Effects of Climate Change
Climate change impacts go beyond the physical effects on health; it can cause mental illnesses to individuals who are exposed to the changes or disasters due to environmental conditions created by the increasing effects of climate change and the resulting global warming.
Potential Psychological Effects of Climate Disasters
The exposure to climate disasters such as droughts, floods, and wildfires can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Climate disasters can lead to extended periods of grief and loss, leading to a range of mental health issues.
Stress of Environmental Activism
Individuals who are proactive in environmental protection measures are often prone to ‘eco-anxiety’- a mental health issue that develops due to high-stress levels when learning about the adverse effects of climate change and the earth’s vulnerability.
Impact of Climate Change on Food and Water Security
Climate change has direct impacts on water and food security. Global food systems are vulnerable to climate change, leading to food scarcity; water resources become scarce due to global warming’s impacts on glaciers.
Malnutrition
Climate change affects crop yields, leading to a decline in agricultural production. Moreover, global warming leads to droughts, floods, pests, and plant and animal diseases, leading to food scarcity and malnutrition. In the long-term, malnutrition triggers undernourishment and stunted growth, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates.
Dehydration
Global warming contributes to reduced water resources. As glaciers and polar ice melts, water sources become contaminated leading to dehydration and water scarcity, particularly for individuals in developing countries with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
Infectious Disease
Water scarcity and stopping access to the freshwater sources pave the way to water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and polio. Infectious disease is responsible for a significant part of healthcare costs and mortality rates worldwide.
Disparate Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Vulnerable populations such as Indigenous Communities, Low-Income Neighborhoods and Healthcare disparities are socially constructed, deep-rooted, and complex problems that can exacerbate the effects of climate change.
Indigenous Communities
Indigenous communities worldwide are at an increased risk of climate change’s adverse effects. These communities rely on small-scale agriculture, fisheries, and forests for their livelihoods and food sources. Government policies have displaced many indigenous community members. Their relationships with the environment are significant aspects of their culture and historical identities, and climate change threatens this as it changes traditional food systems.
Low-Income Neighborhoods
Low-income communities living near industrial setups, refineries, and factories have increased exposure to air pollution, contaminated water, and other harmful toxicants, leading to increased asthma and respiratory problems. Besides, lower-income individuals often lack access to medical care, nutritious food, and safe water sources.
Perpetuation of Health Inequalities
Climate change will deepen existing health inequalities, showing that low-income individuals and those experiencing health disparities would bear a more significant portion of the burden. Climate change effects further perpetuate social inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes and bring about injustices against marginalized populations.
Proposed Solutions and Policy Changes
Adopting proactive measures at an international, national, and individual level can mitigate climate change’s adverse effects on human health.
Investment in Renewable Energy
Investing in clean energy will significantly reduce carbon emissions, decreasing the rate of climate change. Political policies aimed at supporting the development of sustainable energy solutions like wind and solar power will put the planet on a path towards net-zero emissions.
Expanding Access to Healthcare
Ensuring access to quality healthcare is crucial in addressing the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on human health. Developing a robust healthcare system capable of identifying and addressing the adverse health impacts of climate change is essential to enhance population health in the face of environmental adversity.
At-Risk Areas
The policies aimed at reducing the health impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations should be a priority. The individuals residing in at-risk areas should be given extra support to help them cope with the direct and indirect effects of climate change on their wellbeing.
Conclusion
Climate change has far-reaching consequences on human health. Understanding the direct and indirect consequences of climate change and taking proactive measures is essential to curb the effects of climate change. Equitable and inclusive policies aimed at addressing the effects of climate change, especially on vulnerable communities, should be prioritized. Failure to address the health impacts will lead to increased health burdens, exacerbation of health and social inequalities and adverse health outcomes.
