The increase in temperatures of our planet is not just an environmental issue; it is a human health emergency that is already affecting millions and has the potential to reshape the landscape of global health in ways we are only beginning to understand.
One of the most immediate and direct consequences of global warming is the surge in heat waves. As average global temperatures rise, so do the frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events.
The World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that for vulnerable populations—such as the elderly, children and those with preexisting health conditions—heat waves can be deadly. Heatstroke, dehydration and exacerbation of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are becoming more common, causing a strain on healthcare systems worldwide.
“These weather and climate hazards affect health both directly and indirectly, increasing the risk of deaths, noncommunicable diseases, the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, and health emergencies,” WHO reported in their 2023 climate change fact sheet.
Climate change is also altering the patterns of infectious diseases. Warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are expanding the habitats of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.
Diseases that were once confined to tropical and subtropical regions are now appearing in areas considered safe from them. The spread of some diseases is directly linked to these shifting climatic conditions.
According to the World Bank Group, “a warmer climate could lead to at least 21 million additional deaths by 2050 from just five health risks: extreme heat, stunting, diarrhea, malaria, and dengue.”
As extreme weather events become more common, the risk of potential outbreaks rises.
Global warming is also a threat to food and water security. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events like droughts and floods are disrupting food production.
Water scarcity is another growing concern. As glaciers melt and rainfall patterns shift, many regions are experiencing severe water shortages. WHO predicts that nearly, “2 billion people lack safe drinking water.”
Lack of access to clean water not only contributes to dehydration and poor sanitation but also amplifies the spread of waterborne diseases.
Nonetheless, the effects of climate change are not limited to physical health, they extend to mental health as well. The trauma of losing one’s home or livelihood to extreme weather events, the stress of living in a resource-scarce environment and the anxiety about an uncertain future are taking a toll on mental well-being.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “behavioral health issues resulting from climate-related disasters may include stress, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and increases in both substance use and violence.”
For people struggling with mental health issues, being impacted by climate change can heighten existing healthcare problems.
The connection between climate change and public health is undeniable, yet it is often overlooked in climate policy discussions. To effectively address this crisis, we must adopt an approach focused on both issues.
This means not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also investing in healthcare systems to make them more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Public health infrastructure must be strengthened to cope with the increasing burden of climate-related illnesses. This includes early warning systems for heatwaves, improved disease surveillance and vector control, and ensuring access to clean water and nutritious food.
Mental health services must also expand to support those affected by environmentally-induced trauma.
Moreover, addressing the social determinants of health—such as poverty, housing, and education—will be crucial in building resilience against climate change.
Vulnerable communities, such as children, the elderly and individuals with impaired immune systems, are often the least responsible for global warming and are the most affected.
The health of our planet and the health of people are inseparably linked. Thus, climate justice must be at the forefront of world policy, ensuring that the health of all people is protected in the face of this global crisis.
Copy edited by Anijah Franklin
