Every facet of life on Earth is being impacted by climate change, which is a huge worldwide concern. To comprehend the effects of climate change on health, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has been carrying out a substantial study.
Extreme Climate Events
Increases in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms are among the most evident consequences of climate change. Significant health consequences from these occurrences include heat exhaustion, dehydration, respiratory infections, and even death. Particularly at risk are vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and people with long-term medical difficulties.
Cleanliness of the Air
Air quality is impacted by climate change, and this can result in a number of health issues.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two respiratory disorders that can be made worse by rising temperatures and increased air pollution.
Also connected to an elevated risk of heart disease and stroke is exposure to air pollution.
Vector-Borne Illnesses
The distribution and behavior of animals and insects that spread disease, such ticks and mosquitoes, can vary due to climate change. This may accelerate the spread of vector-borne illnesses like dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Lyme disease. The growth of toxic algal blooms, which can lead to respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders in both humans and animals, can also be attributed to the warming of the oceans and seas.
Food and Water Security
The security of food and water can be impacted by changing weather patterns and rising temperatures. Severe weather conditions like floods and droughts can result in agricultural failures and water shortages, both of which can have a serious negative influence on human health. Malnutrition, dehydration, and waterborne infections can result from this.
Our health is just one of the many facets of our life that are impacted by the complex and wide-ranging issue of climate change. In order to create efficient solutions to lessen these effects, it is crucial to keep researching and understanding how climate change affects human health. The NIEHS will continue to do research and disseminate knowledge to aid individuals, groups, and decision-makers in safeguarding human health and the health of the planet.
