Climate Change: Here’s how it affects your health!

Climate change impacts you directly not just in weather conditions and natural disasters but it also affects your health!

The massive deluge in Pakistan is one of a kind, deadliest never seen in the country’s history. More than a thousand five hundred lives are confirmed lost. While a proper assessment of the actual loss of life may take some time, the impact on those left behind, survivors, is indescribable. 

Per rough estimate, the flood is a direct outcome of an abnormal monsoon coupled with melting glaciers that swelled rivers after frequent and intense heat waves. Despite producing less than 1% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, the country is paying a heavy price for a global catastrophe of biblical proportions. 

People across the globe are reeling under the effects of devastations caused by floods, droughts and hurricanes. With a climate that is becoming warmer every year, the intensity and frequency of these occurrences will only rise.

 

Climate Change and Health

The rise in diseases caused by harmful germs like viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi either food-water borne or caused by vectors such as mosquitos, as well as mental health problems, have significant effects on health. Besides, social factors such as access to healthcare, equality, and livelihoods, are stretched and weakened. 

 

Physical Well-Being

  1. Hot or cold climates cause more than 5 million deaths annually in the world.
  2. Wildfire-produced air pollution has a close association with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
  3. Floods carry waterborne diseases, as well as result in drownings and injuries.
  4. Frequent and turbulent hurricanes are causing extensive mortality, damage, and relocation.

 

Apart from the above, climate change causes starvation, homelessness, and economic and academic interruptions. Furthermore, most of the effects have a long-term impact on both individuals and communities.

 

Mental Well-Being

 

  1. Since 2008, weather-related catastrophes have forced an average of more than 20 million people globally to shift bases with lasting repercussions on mental health. 
  2. Severe flooding and protracted droughts have been linked to higher levels of anxiety, and PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). 
  3. Extreme heat can cause mood and anxiety issues, as well as anger, suicidal thoughts, and acts of interpersonal violence. 
  4. Changes to the natural environment can be upsetting, emotionally painful, and disorienting. 
  5. Geographic relocation can erode social order causing discomfort, anxiety, and despair.

 

The availability and quality of health care are hampered by global warming. Financial losses for healthcare operators adding up to existing disparities in health and medical care worsen the situation.

 

Bottom Line

Climate change is having a significant impact on our physical and psychological well-being as well. The saddest part of all is that people belonging to low-income households and living in underdeveloped nations and communities are the ones hit. They are also the most vulnerable and susceptible, least able to defend themselves and their families from the climate crisis even when they contribute the least to its causes.

Health systems, responsible for managing healthcare, when people are forced to move, suffer injuries, or fall sick, should be made more resilient to lessen the impact of climate change.