In recent times, weather phenomena such as hurricanes and tornadoes have become increasingly extreme. As the average global temperature rises, all of us who inhabit this planet must adapt as best we can if we want to survive. But if there's any being that's having serious trouble adapting, it's humans.
Human beings have conquered every corner of the globe; however, according to a recent study, it is urgent to address the health effects of climate change , as otherwise, the consequences could be fatal for millions of people. Furthermore, it has been observed that global warming could lead to an increase in pathogens in Europe , a relevant factor when considering the impact of climate change on human health.
Experiencing an extreme event, such as a drought or a heat wave, can affect both physical and mental health, especially if it involves personal losses, both in the short and long term. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the impact of extreme events on human health , according to a study published in the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association. In this context, climate change affects people in ways we are only beginning to understand, including its relationship to agriculture and public health.
Dr. Jesse Bell, from the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, emphasized that it is essential to prepare a disaster response and understand the many complex ways in which extreme weather events affect health . Furthermore, healthcare facilities must investigate vulnerabilities in local infrastructure to ensure the safety of staff and patients in the event of an extreme event. For example, some hospitals are located in hurricane-prone areas, posing a considerable risk to patients and medical personnel—a critical issue in the context of climate change.
As the climate changes, historical norms will no longer be sufficient to understand the relationship between extreme weather events and public health outcomes . For this reason, coordinated programs involving institutions, government, and the private sector are needed not only to rebuild damaged buildings but also to support victims, especially children. Furthermore, it is crucial to address Spain's vulnerability to climate change, an aspect that cannot be ignored.
Effects of Climate Change on Health
Climate change manifests itself in various ways , each of which impacts different population groups with varying degrees of intensity. Some of the most noticeable effects include:
- Increase in temperaturesHeat waves have become more frequent and severe, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Dehydration and kidney problemsHigh temperatures cause significant fluid loss, which can result in kidney damage.
- Respiratory problems: Increased air pollution due to extreme weather conditions can exacerbate lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, and this phenomenon is intensified by global warming that triggers allergies.
- Impact on mental healthExtreme weather events generate anxiety and post-traumatic stress, significantly affecting people's psychological well-being. This is a topic that should be included when discussing the impact of climate change on human health.
The sixth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes that climate risks are appearing faster and will worsen sooner than expected, and that it will be more difficult to adapt with accelerated global warming.
Research shows that 3600 billion people already live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is projected to cause an estimated 250,000 additional deaths each year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress alone. Furthermore, the cost of direct health damage (i.e., excluding costs in health-determining sectors such as agriculture and water) will be between $2000 and $4000 billion annually between now and 2030, a figure that reflects the impact of climate change on public health.
Areas with poor health infrastructure—mostly in developing countries—will be the least able to prepare for and respond to these changes without assistance. These vulnerabilities are crucial for understanding how climate change impacts public health , especially in contexts where the effects of future climate change are uncertain and alarming.
Mental Health in the Face of Climate Change
The impact of climate change on mental health is increasing alarmingly. Extreme weather events, such as floods and wildfires, have been shown to cause severe mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. This distress is exacerbated by worries about the future and food insecurity, an issue linked to climate change-related death predictions . This anxiety is also a recurring theme in studies on climate change and its distinction from global warming.
Eco - anxiety , a term describing the fear and anxiety people feel in the face of the environmental crisis, has become a common phenomenon, particularly among young people. A global study has shown that 60% of young people are very worried about climate change, and 56% feel that humanity is doomed.
Mental health is not only directly affected by extreme weather events, but also by factors such as loss of income and the disruption to daily life that these events bring. Vulnerable communities are the most likely to suffer the secondary effects of the climate crisis, especially in countries like Spain, which continues to fail to address climate change , thus exacerbating the impact on public health.
Vector-Borne Diseases
Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns are also contributing to the spread of vector-borne diseases. Examples include dengue and chikungunya , diseases previously considered tropical but now being reported in more temperate regions. This phenomenon highlights the need to address pest control within the context of climate change.
This is due to the expansion of the habitat of mosquitoes such as the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which is beginning to adapt to new climatic conditions. This phenomenon underscores the need to design effective control strategies to manage the spread of these diseases, which becomes crucial given that wildfires are expected to increase in the coming years.
Food and nutrition security
Climate change not only affects health directly and immediately, but also has long-term implications for food security . As the climate changes, the availability and quality of food are expected to be compromised. Studies show that rising temperatures can alter the nutritional composition of crops and lead to a decrease in the protein content of certain staple foods, such as cereals. This situation could affect the population, leaving many with food insecurity , a problem linked to the impact of climate change on human health.
Malnutrition , exacerbated by climate change, will disproportionately affect developing countries, where access to nutritious food is already limited. This could contribute to an increase in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other health problems related to inadequate nutrition.
Adaptation and Mitigation Measures
Faced with all these challenges, it is essential to implement adaptation and mitigation measures. These actions may include:
- education and awareness: Invest in educational programs on the effects of climate change and promote community disaster preparedness.
- Infrastructure investments: Improve and protect health infrastructure to ensure it can withstand extreme weather events.
- Establishing resilient health systems: Ensure that health services are equipped to handle the additional demands that climate change will make impossible.
- Promotion of sustainable food policies: Facilitate access to nutritious, quality food and promote environmentally responsible agricultural practices.
Climate change has a profound and complex impact on public health that requires a coordinated and urgent response. It is crucial that both authorities and civil society recognize these risks and act decisively to protect the health of current and future generations.