“A healthy man wants 1000 things. A sick man only wants one.”
Confucius
When you think about things that affect your health, what comes to mind? Genetics, diet, exercise, stress? Turns out we need to add climate change to that list. The World Health Organization calls climate change “the single biggest health threat to humanity”. Here are 4 ways climate change impacts our health.
4 ways climate change impacts our health:
1. Pollution
The emissions from burning fossil fuels pollute the air we breathe. Millions of people suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems, which are exacerbated by these air pollutants. There is a link between these emissions and both respiratory illness and premature death.
2. Allergens
If you feel like your allergies have been increasingly worse, it’s not your imagination. Research found that pollen season is longer, and there are more allergens, because of the the warming climate. Seasonal allergies aren’t just annoying. They also contribute to healthcare costs and can lead to more serious problems.
3. Extreme heat
People living in regions that have been hit by severe heatwaves understand how dangerous extreme heat can be. Those of us lucky enough to live in climate-controlled environments don’t feel the effects as much yet. But climate change is causing more severe and prolonged heat waves, which put people at risk for illness or death.
4. Infectious diseases
This study found that 58% of infectious diseases were worsened by climate hazards. How? Some pathogens are strengthened and spread more easily because of warming temperatures. Also, people and pathogens are brought closer together due to extreme weather events, such as flooding.
Who is most at risk?
Society’s most vulnerable people – elderly, infants and children, and people in low-income communities – are at the highest risk right now. And on the current warming trajectory, we will see increasingly widespread health consequences.
On the bright side
While some of the benefits from changing to clean energy will take a while for us to notice, the health benefits from reducing pollution would be almost immediate. Additionally, the economic upside would be enormous. The money saved to the healthcare system would outweigh the costs of switching to clean energy within a decade.
What can we do?
- In our homes – use less energy and consider electric replacements for gas powered appliances/cars
- In our communities – ask our energy providers about their renewable energy plans and advocate for a faster transition from fossil fuels
- In the big picture – educate ourselves and talk about climate change with family and friends
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Think about it. Talk about it.