Climate change is posing a serious threat to human civilization, with fluctuating temperatures and melting glaciers affecting our health in many ways. New diseases are emerging, and existing ones are becoming harder to treat. How these diseases impact us depends on factors like our age, economic status, and where we live.
This imbalance in physical, biological, and ecological factors is leading to more respiratory infections and heart diseases, creating additional health problems. To protect our communities and future generations, we need to understand these threats better.
Smog, a harmful atmospheric pollutant, is a major issue. It irritates our eyes and makes breathing difficult. When people breathe in polluted air, their lungs have to work harder, which can significantly impair lung function and lead to more asthma and breathlessness cases. Hospitals will struggle to treat these conditions, leading to more premature deaths. Factors contributing to pollution include older cars running on leaded petrol, air conditioners emitting harmful gases, and industrial emissions. Raising awareness in communities and increasing the number of public health workers is crucial.
As the demand for health workers grows, many people are looking to join the healthcare sector. Online education, like an online Master’s in Public Health (MPH), allows individuals to study while continuing their current jobs, thereby helping the community address these health challenges.
Climate change is also increasing pollen concentrations and extending pollen seasons, which can cause allergic reactions like hay fever, characterized by sneezing, congestion, and runny noses. Many people may also suffer from conjunctivitis, with symptoms including itchy, red, and watery eyes, and widespread asthma attacks requiring hospitalization. Indoor mold growth due to prolonged pollen seasons can worsen respiratory illnesses and stress the lungs.
Contaminated water is another concern, with climate change raising the likelihood of water pollution from frequent rains, runoff, and storms. This can lead to severe gastrointestinal illnesses like diarrhea and long-term issues like kidney damage, making it difficult to combat these waterborne diseases.
Food security and quality are also at risk. Extreme temperatures hinder crop growth and increase weeds and pests, leading to reduced crop yields. Livestock and fish populations might decline, as their survival depends on adequate food production. Consequently, food and water prices could rise, and there could be famines resulting in increased violence and crime.
Our mental health is also impacted by climate change. Fluctuating temperatures can lead to seasonal depression and other mental health issues. Extreme weather can cause heat strokes or frostbite, restricting movement and increasing feelings of isolation, which can drive severe mental conditions and even suicidal tendencies. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how viruses thrive under certain conditions, keeping people isolated and anxious.
Lastly, forests are at risk of wildfires due to prolonged droughts and high temperatures, which emit harmful gases that can worsen respiratory and heart conditions. Inhaling smoke can damage the esophagus and severely affect your health, making it difficult to recover and engage in physical activities.
Overall, climate change threatens our survival by causing disease outbreaks, food shortages, rising temperatures, and natural disasters. It disrupts the conditions we need to thrive, leaving us vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, allergies, heart conditions, and other serious health issues.
