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Green Chronicles: Climate change and its impact on health

Nov 29, 2023

Climate change has become an undeniable reality, reshaping our world in numerous ways. In previous posts, we discussed how it affects weather patterns and the environment. In this edition of “Green Chronicles,” we delve into a crucial aspect of climate change: its impact on health. As global temperatures continue to rise, so do the risks to our well-being.

The Current State of Climate Change in 2023

Climate change has not relented in its relentless march, affecting various facets of our lives. It has transformed the way businesses operate, influenced resource allocation in developing countries, and challenged our capacity to rebuild communities ravaged by natural disasters exacerbated by global warming.

Regrettably, the outlook for climate change in 2023 and beyond is far from optimistic. Despite preventive measures and technological advancements, the forecast is grim. Here’s what climate change looks like in 2023:

  1. Record-Breaking Heat: In the summer of 2023, the world witnessed multiple record-breaking temperatures, underscoring the prediction that the average global temperature for the five-year period between 2022 and 2026 is set to exceed the previous five-year period from 2017 to 2021.
  2. Rising Temperatures: There is a staggering 93% chance that one of the years between 2022 and 2026 will surpass the record for the warmest year ever recorded, previously held by 2016.
  3. 1.5°C Threshold: Alarmingly, the probability of the average global temperature rising above 1.5°C has surged to nearly 50% for the next five-year period between 2022 and 2026.

Climate Change’s Impact on Health

The consequences of climate change extend far beyond rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. The adverse effects on human health are profound and multifaceted:

  1. Heat-Related Illnesses: As temperatures soar, the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion increases significantly, especially among vulnerable populations.
  2. Air Quality: Climate change worsens air quality, leading to a higher prevalence of respiratory conditions like asthma. Wildfires, like the Canadian wildfires mentioned earlier, can release harmful particulate matter into the atmosphere, affecting people thousands of miles away.
  3. Infectious Diseases: Climate change can alter the distribution of disease vectors, such as mosquitoes, leading to the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue fever to new regions.
  4. Mental Health: Prolonged exposure to extreme weather events, displacement due to climate-related disasters, and the loss of homes and livelihoods can take a toll on mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

Taking Action in 2023 to Combat Climate Change

Despite the bleak outlook, there are still measures we can take to address climate change and mitigate its impact on health:

  1. Striving to Be Climate Positive: To combat climate change, individuals, companies, and nations must aim to be “climate positive.” This means actively reducing their carbon footprint rather than relying solely on carbon offsets. It involves making sustainable choices, adopting renewable energy sources, and minimizing emissions.
  2. Promoting Green Initiatives: Support and participate in green initiatives and sustainable practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes using public transportation, reducing single-use plastics, and conserving energy.
  3. Advocacy and Education: Raise awareness about the health impacts of climate change and advocate for policies that prioritize environmental sustainability. Education plays a pivotal role in inspiring change and fostering a collective commitment to a greener future.

Conclusion

Climate change in 2023 presents a sobering reality, with record-breaking temperatures, worsening weather events, and a growing threat to human health. However, this dire situation doesn’t mean we should give up hope. By striving to be climate positive, embracing sustainable practices, and advocating for change, we can collectively work towards a healthier, more resilient future for ourselves and generations to come. The battle against climate change is far from over, and the time to act is now.

Reference: https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/climate-change-in-2022-where-do-we-stand#anchor-47