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.
Humans have conquered every corner of the globe; however, according to a recent study, addressing the health effects of climate change is urgent, otherwise the consequences could be fatal for millions of people. In addition, it has been observed that the 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 you suffer personal losses, both short and long term. Therefore, it is very important to examine the influence of extreme events on human health, according to a study published in the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association. In this context, the Climate change affects people in ways we are still beginning to understand, including the relationship with the agriculture and public health.
Dr. Jesse Bell of the North Carolina Climate Studies Institute emphasized that It is essential to prepare a disaster response and understand the many complex ways in which extreme weather events affect health.. In addition, 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 considerable risk to patients and medical staff, a critical aspect in the context of climate change.
As the weather changes historical norms will not be sufficient to understand the relationship between extreme weather events and public health outcomes. For this reason, coordinated programs between institutions, government, and the private sector are required to rebuild damaged buildings, but also to support victims, especially children. It is also important that measures are taken to address Spain's vulnerability in the face of climate change, an aspect that cannot be ignored.
Effects of Climate Change on Health
El Climate change manifests itself in various ways, each of which impacts different population groups with varying intensity. Some of the most notable 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.
El Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes that climate risks are emerging more rapidly and will worsen sooner than expected, and that it will be more difficult to adapt to 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 least able to prepare for and respond to these changes without assistance. These aspects of vulnerability are crucial to understanding how the Climate change impacts public health, and especially in contexts where the effects of future climate change are uncertain and alarming.
Mental Health in the Face of Climate Change
El 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 that is linked to the prediction of deaths due to climate changeThis anxiety is also a recurring theme in studies on the Climate change and its difference with global warming.
La eco-anxiety, a term that describes 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 showed that 60% of young people are very concerned about climate change, and 56% feel 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 they bring. Vulnerable communities are the most likely to suffer the side effects of the climate crisis, especially in countries like Spain, which continues to fail to address climate change, which aggravates the impact on public health.
Vector-Borne Diseases
Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation are also promoting the spread of vector-borne diseases. Examples of this are dengue and chikungunya, diseases that were previously considered tropical, but are now beginning to be reported in more temperate areas. This phenomenon highlights the need to address the pest control in the context of climate change.
This is due to the expansion of the habitat of mosquitoes such as the 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 Forest fires will increase in the coming years.
Food and nutrition security
Climate change not only affects health directly and immediately, but also has long-term implications on the food safetyAs the climate changes, food availability and quality are also expected to be compromised. Studies show that rising temperatures can alter the nutritional composition of crops and cause a decline in the protein content of certain staple foods, such as cereals. This situation could affect the population, leaving many with food insecurity, a problem related to the impact of climate change on human health.
La 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 poor 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.