The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health

In an extended shift in global weather patterns and temperatures, known as climate change, the world is witnessing a series of health consequences that pose significant risks to individuals worldwide.

Climate change is contributing to the emergence of new or evolved fungi that are more resistant to heat, such as Valley fever. This increase in temperatures is causing these infections to spread to new geographic areas.

Waterborne illnesses, such as Cryptosporidiosis, E. coli, Giardiasis, Leptospirosis, and Salmonella, become more prevalent due to climate change. Additionally, disease-carrying ticks and insects are more active, leading to an increased risk of Lyme disease, alpha-gal syndrome, West Nile, Zika, and other viral infections.

Older adults, children, people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and lower-income families are particularly vulnerable to these health effects. Prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures puts individuals at risk for dehydration, blood pressure changes, kidney problems, heart problems, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, pregnancy complications, and more. People of color, immigrants, and lower-income families often live in areas prone to climate-related health hazards and have less access to quality medical care.

According to Dr. Neha Vyas, a family medicine specialist, climate change increases the risk for a host of health problems. The top 5 health effects of climate change, according to Dr. Vyas, include:

Increased respiratory illnesses due to worsening air quality and indoor pollution exposure.
The spread of infectious diseases as climate change facilitates the proliferation and northward spread of germs.
Pregnancy-related complications, including conditions like preeclampsia that may be influenced by environmental stressors including climate factors.
Mental health challenges exacerbated by climate-related stresses and social isolation worsened by environmental disruptions.
An increased risk of heat-related illnesses and kidney stones, as rising temperatures contribute to dehydration and metabolic imbalances.

To protect themselves from these impacts, individuals can adopt the following measures:

Improve indoor air quality by reducing exposure to biomass smoke and pollutants, using cleaner fuels and ventilation.
Stay informed about infectious disease risks and practice preventive health behaviors like vector control and vaccinations.
Monitor and manage pregnancy health closely, especially for women with high-risk factors, to detect signs like swelling or headaches early.
Prioritize mental health by maintaining social connections and seeking support to combat stress related to climate change effects.
Stay hydrated and adapt lifestyle choices to prevent heat-related conditions and kidney stones during hot weather periods.

By 2030, climate-related health problems are expected to claim the lives of an estimated 250,000 people worldwide each year. In the U.S., extreme heat is a top cause of weather-related deaths, claiming the lives of 207 people in 2023.

It's crucial to take action to protect ourselves and our planet from these health threats. Calling elected officials to request climate change-friendly regulations is an action that can help. Additionally, adopting eco-friendly habits like riding a bike, walking, or taking public transportation, composting, conserving water and energy, reducing waste, and decreasing indoor air pollutants can help slow climate change. Let's work together to combat the health impacts of climate change and create a healthier future for all.

[1] [Source for increased respiratory illnesses] [2] [Source for spread of infectious diseases and pregnancy-related complications] [3] [Source for mental health challenges and increased risk of heat-related illnesses and kidney stones]

The weather changes due to climate change are leading to increase in health-and-wellness issues, such as an upsurge in respiratory illnesses due to deteriorated air quality and heightened indoor pollution exposure.
Climate change is favoring the growth and northward spread of various medical-conditions like infectious diseases, contributing to a higher risk for individuals worldwide.
Apart from physical health concerns, mental health also seems to be affected by climate change, with mental health challenges escalating due to climate-related stresses and social isolation caused by environmental disruptions.
Pregnancy-related complications, like preeclampsia, are anticipated due to environmental stressors including climate factors, making women with high-risk factors prime candidates for close monitoring and management during pregnancy.
Climate change is raising the risk for heat-related illnesses, kidney stones, and further complications during hot weather periods due to dehydration and metabolic imbalances, which contribute to a higher threat to human health by 2030.

[1] [Link to the source discussing increased respiratory illnesses due to climate change][2] [Link to the source discussing the spread of infectious diseases and pregnancy-related complications][3] [Link to the source discussing mental health challenges and increased risk of heat-related illnesses and kidney stones]