One of the most important worldwide issues to this day is climate change, which affects both our environment and our health. A few examples of this phenomenon's signs include
rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. Millions of people worldwide are impacted by the significant and broad impact of these environmental changes on public health.
Climate change has caused extreme weather events, like heatwaves, floods, and hurricanes, to occur more frequently and with greater severity. Large health risks, such as those for diseases, injuries, and mental health problems, are associated with these events. For instance, heatwaves can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and cause heatstroke, while floods can result in
waterborne illnesses. Furthermore, enduring such events can cause trauma and stress, which can have long-term psychological effects. Particularly at risk are vulnerable groups, including the elderly, kids, and people with underlying medical conditions.
There are major risks to respiratory health from air pollution, which has increased as a result of climate change. By raising the concentrations of particulate matter and ground-level ozone, rising temperatures and altered weather patterns can deteriorate
the quality of the air. Numerous respiratory issues, such as lung infections, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are associated with these pollutants. The elderly and young are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of air pollution. Long-term exposure to contaminated air can also impair lung function.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, which poses serious health risks, particularly for cardiovascular health. Elevated
temperatures have the potential to worsen cardiac diseases by burdening the heart with more work and triggering heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. Heat-related illnesses are more common in the elderly, children, and people with preexisting heart
conditions. Excessive heat waves have been linked in studies to a rise in hospital admissions for heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems.
In conclusion, there is ample evidence linking increasing temperatures to cardiovascular health. The elderly are among the vulnerable groups that are more at risk. Proactive steps like heat mitigation techniques and greater public awareness are essential to reducing these risks and safeguarding public health in the face of continuing climate change.
References:
Jacobsen, Alan P et al. “Climate change and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.” American journal of preventive cardiology vol. 12 100391. 11 Sep. 2022, doi:10.1016/j.ajpc.2022.100391
Desai, Yash et al. “Heat and the Heart.” The Yale journal of biology and medicine vol. 96,2 197-203. 30 Jun. 2023, doi:10.59249/HGAL4894
World Health Organization. “Climate Change.” World Health Organization, 2023, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health. Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board