Climate change can affect physical, biological and ecological systems, including those occurring here and elsewhere. Health impacts of these disruptions include increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, severe climate change-related illness. Premature mortality, including changes in the spread and geographic distribution of food- and water-borne diseases and other infectious diseases, and threats to mental health.
Table of Contents
1. Effects on public health
2. State of mind
3. Infectious diseases
4. Heat and weather conditions
5. Air pollution
6. Allergy
7. Food security
8. Developmental and neurological problems
1. Effects on public health
Climate change and temperature extremes, pollution and environmental toxins, and changes in food security can all cause physical and mental health problems. Climate change is affecting some of the most important factors affecting human health. . Air quality Drinking water quality, safety and supply Food availability Nutrient levels in food Related health problems are expected to increase as climate change progresses.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some impacts of climate change will contribute to an increase of about 250,000 deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 due to heat stress, malnutrition, diarrhoea, malaria etc.
2. State of mind
Climate change and natural disasters can be traumatic and stressful for the people they affect. People can experience homelessness, injury and loss of property or loved ones. The situation can also have a more significant impact on people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates increase with higher temperatures, climate change, and higher temperatures negatively impact depression and other mental health conditions.
3. Infectious diseases
According to the WHO, climate change is likely to increase the incidence of insect-borne infections and water-borne diseases because climate change may increase the length of the seasons during which Insects transmit infections These changes can also expand the area in which they occur.
Countries such as the United States may be at increased risk of both existing water-borne and insect-borne diseases and those not yet present in the region. It can also increase the risk of diarrhea.
4. Heat and weather conditions
Rising temperatures can cause or exacerbate a wide range of serious health problems. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, muscle spasms and worsening of existing conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Condition included. An increase in extreme weather conditions poses serious health risks. Hot dry conditions and droughts can cause dust storms, wildfires, reduced water supply and quality, including poor air quality, food shortages, etc.
5. Air pollution
Increased air pollution can pose a high risk to health. High levels of dust, ozone and fine particles in the air can all reduce air quality and exacerbate a range of health problems. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cough and sore throat, inflammation of the lungs, risk of lung cancer, chest pain, heart attack etc. are the causes of weather change.
6. Allergy
Warmer temperatures can lead to increased pollen production Increased carbon dioxide can lead to higher levels of allergens from plants People may experience the following effects Greater sensitivity to allergens Longer periods of severe asthma or more frequent visits include worsening of other respiratory conditions The combination of hot weather and heavy rainfall can lead to an increase in humidity and mold, including mold, indoors. These conditions can also cause breathing problems.
7. Food security
Climate change affects crops and food production. Food prices can increase, causing people to adopt less healthy diets. Poor diets can lead to hunger, malnutrition or obesity. Due to changes in weather, the nutritional value of certain foods may decrease. Increases in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and changes in soil nutrients will result in nutrient depletion in many crops.
A possible increase in weeds and pests will also mean that farmers will need to use more herbicides and pesticides, and these substances will be toxic to those who work with the crops as well as those who eat them. can be
8. Developmental and neurological problems
Exposure to toxic substances in the environment and the stress-related effects of climate change can have negative effects on neurological health. Toxic substances in food and water can also cause health problems in the developing fetus.
For example, climate change can cause damage that increases biotoxins in fish and seafood, and increases in heavy metals such as mercury and lead contaminating seafood can decrease IQ in developing fetuses. Is.
Climate change poses significant threats to human health in several ways. Natural disasters and extreme weather events Injury Mental health problems can lead to increased risk of infection and death Damage to infrastructure can also cause long-term shocks to health and well-being Increased environmental pollution from toxins and allergens May lead to increased respiratory and heart health problems.