1. Extreme Weather Events
Climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts, which have direct health impacts:
- Heatwaves: Prolonged periods of extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and increased mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with preexisting health conditions.
- Storms and Floods: Severe storms and floods can cause injuries, drownings, and displacement. They also disrupt healthcare services, increase the risk of waterborne diseases, and lead to long-term mental health issues due to trauma and loss.
- Droughts: Droughts can result in water scarcity, affecting sanitation and hygiene. They also lead to crop failures, food shortages, and malnutrition, impacting overall health and well-being.
2. Air Quality
Climate change can worsen air quality through increased pollution and the formation of ground-level ozone:
- Pollution: Higher temperatures and stagnant air conditions can increase the concentration of air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Ozone: Increased temperatures can enhance the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant that can cause respiratory issues, aggravate asthma, and reduce lung function.
3. Vector-Borne Diseases
Climate change affects the distribution and incidence of vector-borne diseases by altering the habitats and behaviors of disease-carrying organisms, such as mosquitoes and ticks:
- Malaria: Changes in temperature and precipitation can expand the range of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria transmission in new areas.
- Dengue Fever: Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall can enhance the breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue fever, leading to more frequent outbreaks.
- Lyme Disease: Warmer temperatures can extend the active season of ticks that carry Lyme disease, increasing the risk of transmission in temperate regions.
4. Waterborne Diseases
Climate change can increase the risk of waterborne diseases through changes in water quality and availability:
- Flooding: Floods can contaminate drinking water sources with pathogens, leading to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A.
- Drought: Water scarcity can compromise sanitation and hygiene, increasing the risk of diarrheal diseases.
- Harmful Algal Blooms: Warmer water temperatures and nutrient runoff can promote the growth of harmful algal blooms, which can produce toxins that contaminate drinking water and seafood.
5. Food Security and Nutrition
Climate change affects food security and nutrition by impacting agricultural productivity and food availability:
- Crop Yields: Changes in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events can reduce crop yields, leading to food shortages and higher food prices.
- Food Quality: Elevated CO2 levels can reduce the nutritional quality of crops, decreasing the protein, vitamin, and mineral content of staple foods.
- Malnutrition: Reduced food availability and increased food prices can lead to malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations, affecting overall health and development.
6. Mental Health
Climate change can have profound impacts on mental health through increased stress, anxiety, and trauma:
- Extreme Weather Events: Experiencing natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, can cause trauma, anxiety, and depression.
- Chronic Stress: Long-term changes, such as droughts and sea-level rise, can lead to chronic stress and mental health issues related to displacement, loss of livelihoods, and uncertainty about the future.
7. Vulnerable Populations
Certain populations are more vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, including:
- Children: Children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, respiratory diseases, and malnutrition.
- Older Adults: Older adults are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses, chronic diseases exacerbated by air pollution, and mental health issues.
- Low-Income Communities: Low-income communities often have limited access to healthcare, clean water, and nutritious food, making them more vulnerable to climate-related health impacts.
- People with Preexisting Health Conditions: Individuals with preexisting health conditions, such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change.
