Climate Change: Mitigating its` impact on Human Health

Article Authored by Rajeev Acharya

Danger is obvious but Solution is in our hands

Rajeev 'Acharya'

Author, who works in a water department in the UP Govt

The Earth's climate is undergoing a period of rapid change, driven primarily by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. While the consequences of this warming planet are vast and multifaceted, one area often overlooked is the direct impact on human health.

A recent report has been published through “The Recent Current Down on Health and Climate Change.” It paints an extremely concerning picture of human health, being gravely affected by climate change.

The report emphasises that last year people faced an average of 83 days of deadly heat, which is 6 days more if compared with 2011-2020 decade.

Heat-related deaths have increased by 85 percent among over 65 years old people if compared to the 1991-2000. In 2020 air pollution caused a 6.9 million deaths, reflecting a 44 percent rise since 1990. Unsafe water and sanitation claimed a further 3.1 million lives in 2020.

According to the report published in ‘The Lacent,’ impacting every aspect of human well-being, the climate change is a daily health threat. As reported by the ‘National Library of Medicine,’ even babies inside mother’s womb are not spared.

Climate change isn't just about rising sea levels and melting glaciers; it's a significant threat to our physical and mental well-being.

A warming planet translates to more frequent and intense heat waves. These extreme temperatures can exacerbate existing respiratory problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Heat stress can also lead to heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Climate change disrupts weather patterns, leading to more extreme rainfall events and floods. These floods can contaminate water sources with sewage and other pollutants, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Conversely, droughts can lead to water scarcity, making it difficult to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene, further aggravating the spread of waterborne illnesses.

Changing weather patterns and rising temperatures can affect food production and storage. Warmer temperatures provide a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens that can contaminate food, leading to an increase in foodborne illnesses. Additionally, extreme weather events can disrupt food distribution systems, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition, both of which have negative consequences for health.

Climate change is altering the geographical distribution of insects and other vectors that transmit diseases. Rising temperatures allow these vectors to expand their range and become more active, increasing the risk of contracting diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. Changes in rainfall can also create ideal breeding conditions for these vectors, further escalating the problem.

The health impacts of climate change are not felt equally across populations. Low-income countries and marginalized communities often lack the resources to adapt to a changing climate. They have limited access to healthcare, early warning systems, and infrastructure that can protect them from extreme weather events. Additionally, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are more vulnerable to the health effects of climate change due to their developing or deteriorated immune systems.

Addressing climate change is critical not just for the environment but also for safeguarding human health. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable practices, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure are crucial steps towards mitigating climate change's impact. Additionally, strengthening healthcare systems, improving early warning systems, and building community resilience are essential to protecting populations from the health consequences of a changing climate.

While tackling climate change primarily requires large-scale solutions, individuals can still play a role. Reducing our carbon footprint by using public transport, conserving energy, and adopting sustainable practices in everyday life can contribute to the collective effort. Supporting organizations working on climate change solutions is another way to make a difference.

Climate change presents a multifaceted challenge, but its impact on human health is a critical aspect that cannot be ignored. By acknowledging the threats and taking action, we can work towards a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. However, the reality is that some degree of climate change is already inevitable. Therefore, building resilience – the ability of individuals, communities, and healthcare systems to adapt to and cope with the effects of climate change – becomes paramount.

 Investing in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable regions, is essential. This includes building heat-resistant hospitals, improving sanitation systems, and ensuring adequate supplies of medications and vaccines.

 Training healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat climate-related illnesses is crucial. This includes recognizing the symptoms of heatstroke, waterborne diseases, and vector-borne diseases.

 Developing early warning systems for extreme weather events allows for preventative measures to be taken, minimizing the health impacts on communities.

Public awareness campaigns can educate communities about the health risks associated with climate change and empower them to take protective measures. This includes promoting heatstroke prevention strategies, safe water handling practices, and vector control methods.

Investing in climate-smart agriculture can help ensure food security in the face of changing weather patterns. Techniques like drought-resistant crops and water-efficient irrigation like micro-irrigation can minimize the impact on food production.

Strengthening social safety nets is crucial. This includes providing financial assistance to communities affected by extreme weather events and supporting livelihood diversification initiatives to make communities less vulnerable to climate shocks.

Technological innovation can play a key role in building resilience. Early warning systems can be enhanced using remote sensing technology and real-time data analysis.

Telemedicine can improve access to healthcare in remote areas, especially for populations displaced due to climate change.

Advancements in climate modeling can help predict future risks and inform more targeted adaptation strategies.

Climate change is global problem but individuals action matter. To deal with this big conferences are being held at international level. All the countries  agreed to prevent climate change. In the COP-28 conference held in Dubai in the year 2023 more than 200 countries agreed to the “Net-zero target”.

Climate change is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. However, focusing solely on the problems can be overwhelming. By acknowledging the threat to human health and taking proactive steps to build resilience, we can create a future where communities are better equipped to adapt and thrive in a changing climate. Individual actions, coupled with strong public health policies and international cooperation, can pave the way for a healthier planet for all.

Remember, even small changes can have a cumulative impact. By working together, we can mitigate the health consequences of climate change and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

Rajeev Acharya