The Hidden Impact of Climate Change on Human Health
If you’ve read or watched the news lately, you’ve probably seen at least one article about the impact climate change will have on the planet in years to come. However, while we usually focus on things like rising sea levels and melting glaciers, we don’t often consider the long-term impact climate change will have on our health.
With so many other issues plaguing us today, why should we worry about something that won’t happen for decades or even centuries? Because the impact of climate change on human health will be far more immediate than that—and the results could be catastrophic.
Climate sources highlighted from NOAA, Climate.gov, YouTube. Global warming information from #ShowYourStripes, Climate.gov and @YouTube. Other sources include National Hurricane Center, Yale Climate Opinion Maps 2018
Heat stroke
As the climate continues to warm, the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses will increase. According to the CDC, In the United States, extreme heat events have become more frequent, and last longer than they did just a few decades ago. As a result, cases of heat stroke are expected to rise. Symptoms of heat stroke include: high body temperature, red, hot, and dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately and cool the person down with whatever means are available.
An introduction to citizen science and the NASA GLOBE Observer program, collecting measurements with the GLOBE Land Cover tool (*Note that this program requires that you have previously downloaded the GLOBE Observer app on your mobile device.
Heat exhaustion
According to the CDC, heat exhaustion is a condition that can occur when your body is unable to regulate its temperature. Symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps, and more. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal. The elderly, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions are especially at risk for heat exhaustion.
Lack of water
Lately, we have seen in the news how climate change will affect the world in the coming years--think rising sea levels and melting glaciers. We have been preoccupied with things like those, but there are also the more severe long-term effects on our health. It's difficult to comprehend, but with other significant problems going on now, why should we worry about something that won't happen for decades or even centuries? The short answer is that the impact of climate change on human health will be much more immediate—and more catastrophic—than anything in the far future.
In many parts of the world, climate change is causing a lack of water. This lack of water can have a number of impacts on human health, from dehydration to increased risk of water-borne diseases. In some cases, people are forced to drink contaminated water, which can lead to serious illness. In extreme cases, people may even die from dehydration.
Mosquitoes spreading disease
Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals in the world. They’re responsible(FESPA) for spreading diseases like malaria, Zika, and dengue fever, which can cause fever, headaches, and even death. And as the climate changes, mosquitoes are able to spread these diseases to new areas where they weren’t previously found.
As the earth continues to warm, people will face a greater risk of getting heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses. According to the CDC, extreme heat events have become more frequent in the United States in recent decades. As a result, there will be more cases of heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include if someone experiences a high body temperature, red, hot, and dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, call 1-1-1 and cool the person down.
Poor air quality
In the United States, climate change is making it harder for us to breathe(page one). The air we breathe has gotten warmer and more humid, trapping pollutants close to the ground. At the same time, sea level rise and more intense storms are causing floods and contamination of our water supplies. All of these factors are leading to increased rates of respiratory problems, heart disease, waterborne illnesses, and other health concerns.
Storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes
As the climate continues to warm, we can expect more extreme weather events like storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. These events can cause physical and mental health problems in people who experience them. In addition, they can lead to displacement and loss of property, which can also have a negative impact on mental health.
Air pollution causing cancer
We all know that air pollution is bad for our health. But did you know that it can also cause cancer? Studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollution can increase your risk of developing lung cancer. And it's not just lung cancer – air pollution has also been linked to other types of cancer, including breast cancer, bladder cancer, and ovarian cancer.