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How climate change affects waterborne diseases

Aug 5, 2023

Welcome back to Green Chronicles! Today, we shine a spotlight on the concerning impact of climate change on waterborne diseases. As global temperatures rise and weather events become more extreme, the risks associated with waterborne illnesses like cholera and typhoid are escalating. However, there is hope. By understanding the causes and effects of these diseases and taking proactive measures, we can significantly reduce the risks they pose to human health. Join us as we explore the link between climate change and waterborne diseases and the actions we can take to protect ourselves and our planet.

What Causes Waterborne Diseases?

Waterborne diseases arise from the consumption or contact with contaminated water. Pollution, such as agricultural chemicals or the presence of feces from infected individuals or animals, can contaminate water sources, leading to the spread of infectious diseases.

How is Climate Change Increasing the Risk of Waterborne Diseases?

Waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and E. coli infections, remain a significant public health challenge, causing millions of deaths each year. Climate change exacerbates this risk by influencing several key variables:

Extreme Weather Events: Storms, droughts, precipitation, floods, and wildfires are intensified by climate change. These events can contaminate water sources and disrupt water treatment systems, increasing the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks.

Increase in Air and Water Temperature: Rising temperatures create favorable conditions for the growth and proliferation of pathogens in their habitats, such as raw food or water. Higher temperatures have been linked to an increase in cholera cases in certain regions.

What are the Risks?

Cholera outbreaks are closely tied to environmental conditions, with temperature and precipitation playing a significant role. Warmer temperatures can accelerate pathogen growth, while heavy rainfall can contaminate water sources. In contrast, low rainfall can lead to the concentration of pathogens in water, heightening the risk of transmission.

Other waterborne diseases, like diarrheagenic E. coli and typhoid, are also influenced by climate factors such as high temperatures, heavy rain, and drought. Extreme weather events, such as cyclones and flooding, can create ideal conditions for the spread of these infectious diseases.

For instance, Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in Mozambique resulted in cholera outbreaks that affected thousands of people, leading to over 200 deaths and thousands of cases due to the loss of access to safe sanitation and clean water.

What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risk?

Addressing climate change and its impact on waterborne diseases requires a multi-faceted approach:

Mitigation: Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy can help mitigate climate change, reducing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Adaptation: We must take proactive steps to adapt to the risks posed by waterborne diseases. This includes providing universal access to healthcare and disease management, improving disease surveillance, and investing in early warning systems to monitor climatic changes.

Enhancing Water Systems: Upgrading water catchment, storage, treatment, and distribution systems is crucial for ensuring safe and clean water access for all. Protecting critical infrastructure from floods, storms, and sea-level rise is also essential.

Water Conservation: Limiting water overuse helps preserve water resources, reducing the risk of contamination and scarcity.

Household Water Purification: Utilizing household water purification systems can provide an additional layer of protection against waterborne pathogens.

Conclusion

Climate change poses a significant threat to water quality and increases the risk of waterborne diseases. By taking immediate action to mitigate climate change and implementing adaptive measures, we can protect human health and ensure the sustainability of our water resources.

Let’s work together to build a resilient and sustainable future where clean water is accessible to all, and the risk of waterborne diseases is minimized. Join us on our journey to create a greener, healthier world!

Reference: Wellcome.org – How Climate Change Affects Waterborne Diseases

https://wellcome.org/news/how-climate-change-affects-waterborne-diseases