Climate Change and Human Health

Overview of climate change and human health

Climate change is a growing crisis with severe health impacts, affecting both physical and mental health worldwide. Rising greenhouse gas emissions contribute to poor air quality, increasing respiratory illnesses due to air pollution. Extreme weather events, including hurricanes, wildfires, and heat waves, intensify health risks by worsening chronic conditions and straining healthcare systems. Extreme heat leads to dehydration, cardiovascular stress, and heat-related illnesses.

The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) has identified climate-related health threats such as increased infectious diseases, malnutrition, and mental distress. The changing climate exacerbates existing health threats by altering disease patterns and heightening vulnerabilities. A scientific assessment from the USGCRP highlights how climate health risks disproportionately affect human health, particularly in vulnerable populations (USGCRP, 2016).

Temperature-related impacts on human health

Changes in global temperatures significantly impact human health, leading to a rise in climate-related health effects.

Heat-related and cold-related deaths

Increased global temperatures contribute to heat-related deaths, especially among vulnerable populations. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration, cardiovascular strain, and heat stroke. Conversely, extreme cold leads to cold-related deaths, particularly in regions unprepared for harsh winters.

Air quality and respiratory health

Higher greenhouse gas emissions and rising carbon dioxide concentrations worsen air pollution, increasing respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. The World Health Organization warns that these health effects harm children and the elderly.

Mental health consequences

Frequent extreme events, such as wildfires and hurricanes, lead to mental health consequences, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Disruptions to community health and displacement from rising sea levels further strain emotional well-being.

Water and food safety risks

Temperature changes affect food safety by increasing the spread of foodborne pathogens. Additionally, water-related illnesses rise due to contaminated water sources, threatening public health care.

Air quality impacts on human health

Poor air quality is a major consequence of climate change, contributing to serious health effects worldwide. Rising greenhouse gas emissions, increased air pollution, and changes in atmospheric conditions worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Respiratory diseases

Exposure to ozone and particulate matter increases the risk of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung infections. Wildfire smoke and urban smog further degrade air quality, leading to breathing difficulties and long-term lung damage.

Cardiovascular issues

Fine particulate matter from air pollution is linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Poor air quality exacerbates existing conditions, increasing hospitalizations and mortality rates.

Allergies and infectious diseases

Warmer temperatures and rising carbon dioxide concentrations contribute to longer pollen seasons, worsening allergy symptoms. Additionally, shifting climate patterns influence the spread of infectious diseases, such as vector-borne illnesses carried by mosquitoes and ticks.

Mental health consequences

Exposure to polluted environments has been associated with cognitive decline, anxiety, and depression. Increased wildfires, industrial emissions, and smog contribute to stress and reduced well-being.

The Fourth National Climate Assessment calls for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect public health from unanticipated health problems caused by climate change (USGCRP, 2018).

Extreme weather events and human health

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, pose serious public health challenges and significantly impact human health. Climate change's impacts on these disasters have increased their frequency and severity, leading to displacement, injuries, and long-term health concerns.

Severe storms and rising sea levels threaten infrastructure and healthcare access, especially in developing countries, where limited resources make recovery more complex. Exposure to extreme conditions can cause cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, and heat stress, particularly among older adults and those with pre-existing conditions.

Extreme events also disrupt food security, affecting both the availability and quality of nutrition. The food system involves complex networks that climate disruptions can weaken, leading to malnutrition and hunger. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency highlights that global climate change creates new public health challenges, straining healthcare systems and social support structures that protect vulnerable populations.

Addressing these threats requires proactive policies to strengthen resilience, promote adaptation strategies, and mitigate health climate change risks, ensuring long-term well-being for communities worldwide.

Infectious diseases and climate change

The spread of infectious diseases is increasingly influenced by human-induced climate change, which affects environmental conditions that enable pathogens and disease vectors to thrive. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events contribute to changes in disease transmission, increasing the risk of outbreaks in new regions.

Changes in physical and biological environments create favorable conditions for mosquitoes, ticks, and other carriers of vector-borne diseases, leading to the spread of malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease. Additionally, flooding and rising temperatures heighten the risk of waterborne illnesses by compromising sanitation systems and increasing exposure to contaminated water sources.

Individuals with chronic medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to climate-driven disease risks, as they may experience worsened health outcomes due to compromised immune function. Strengthening health systems to detect, monitor, and respond to emerging disease threats is essential in mitigating the growing risks associated with climate change.

Food safety and nutrition impacts

Climate change poses significant risks to food safety and nutrition, affecting food production and availability. Changes in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events disrupt agricultural systems, leading to reduced crop yields and threatening global food security. As a result, access to a nutritious food supply becomes more challenging, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Rising temperatures and increased humidity also create favorable conditions for foodborne pathogens, heightening the risk of contamination. Climate-driven shifts in fish populations and livestock health also impact the nutritional quality and availability of protein sources. Without many public health safeguards in place, foodborne illnesses and malnutrition may become more prevalent, increasing adverse health effects worldwide.

Mental health impacts of climate change

The psychological toll of climate change is profound, contributing to stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress following extreme weather events. Disruptions caused by natural disasters, displacement, and resource scarcity have lasting effects on emotional well-being, particularly in communities facing repeated climate-related crises.

Certain populations, including vulnerable occupational groups, such as first responders, farmers, and outdoor laborers, are at greater risk of mental health strain due to prolonged exposure to climate hazards.

Research from Cambridge University Press highlights how climate events can increase the burden on health services, leading to greater demand for mental health care (Berry et al., 2010).

Developing targeted interventions to support affected individuals and communities is essential as climate change threats escalate. Addressing how climate affects mental health through policy and healthcare resources will be crucial in mitigating long-term psychological harm.

How can healthcare facilities help address these issues?

The Change Research Program Washington emphasizes the need for healthcare institutions to integrate climate adaptation strategies into their operations. Similarly, the Research Program Washington, DC, highlights the importance of reducing healthcare-related carbon footprints while enhancing patient care during extreme weather events (USGCRP, 2018).

To address these challenges, healthcare facilities can:

• Improve energy efficiency: Upgrading energy-efficient systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower operational costs.
• Strengthen emergency preparedness: Developing response plans for extreme heat, infectious disease outbreaks, and air pollution events ensure continued patient care.
• Support community health programs: Collaborating with local organizations helps improve climate resilience and access to care.
• Adopt sustainable practices: Reducing waste, implementing green building standards, and investing in renewable energy sources contribute to long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

The impacts of climate change on human health are far-reaching, affecting physical well-being, mental health, food security, and the spread of infectious diseases. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and poor air quality increase health risks among vulnerable populations. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from healthcare systems, policymakers, and environmental organizations.

By implementing sustainable practices, improving public health infrastructure, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, healthcare facilities can play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting human health.

References

U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). (2016). The impacts of climate change on human health in the United States: A scientific assessment. https://health2016.globalchange.gov/

U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). (2018). Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II: Impacts, risks, and adaptation in the United States. https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/

Berry, H., Bowen, K., & Kjellstrom, T. (2010). Climate change and mental health: A causal pathways framework. International Journal of Public Health, 55(2), 123-132. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-009-0112-0