Global Health answers... How does climate change affect your health?
ArabiaWeather - The Paris Agreement to limit climate change may be the most important health agreement of this century, according to statements by Diarmuid Campbell Lindrum, one of the leading scientists at the World Health Organization . Lindrum alerts to the direct effects of climate change on health, and points out that rising temperatures, especially... In cities, it can lead to extremely hot weather conditions, increasing the risk of disease for individuals with pre-existing health conditions, or in advanced age groups.
In this context, Lindrum stresses that people who suffer from diseases such as heart disease are more vulnerable to health risks when temperatures rise significantly, which in some cases may lead to serious disease attacks or even death in harsh thermal conditions.
These statements come within the framework of a television interview within the “Science in Five” program, which was conducted with journalist Vismita Gupta Smith, where future scenarios of climate change and the measures that can be taken to confront its effects on public health were discussed.
Impacts of climate change on public health and the environment
Lendrum stated that there are additional effects of climate change on the environment, as rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns in some global regions result from the drying of the environment and forests, which increases the possibility of massive and more powerful forest fires. He explained that these fires result in direct or indirect deaths. For individuals.
Lendrum pointed out that forest fires result in high levels of air pollution, which is one of the most prominent factors causing deaths, as it is assumed that about 7 million people lose their lives annually globally as a result of the effects of pollution.
Lendrum added that climate change facilitates the transmission of infectious diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, and waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrheal diseases.
He pointed out that the effects of climate change may ultimately make some parts of the world uninhabitable, whether due to unbearably high temperatures, or due to sea level rise.
He stressed that there are already warnings of increased cases of inundation of islands and some countries due to rising sea levels, which forces residents to leave their areas of residence, which greatly affects their health.
In a related context, Lindrum alluded to worrying scenarios, noting that the current rises in temperatures may become the normal situation around the world within two decades, and he based on the experiences of Europe and Asia, where they witnessed record temperatures and heat waves, which led to a sharp rise. In the number of medical cases and deaths, which reinforces the hypothesis that similar incidents will occur in the future.
Lendrum stressed the need to prepare for these challenges by developing health care infrastructure and enhancing training for health personnel, with the aim of protecting individuals from the effects of climate change. He pointed out the possibility of achieving dual benefits through the use of renewable energy, such as solar panels, to meet the needs of medical facilities, as it enhances flexibility. In the face of climate challenges, it reduces costs and negative environmental impact.
A promising future... actionable steps to confront climate change
In the context of individuals, Lendrum stressed that there is good news that many effective measures can be taken, and highlights that awareness of the health risks resulting from climate change plays a crucial role, as individuals who cannot tolerate high temperatures due to various reasons can protect themselves through hydration, Stay out of the sun, and pay attention to weather warnings. He added that it is important for everyone, as individuals, to improve their understanding of climate impacts in order to protect their health in the first place.
As for the second promising step, it is represented by the efforts made to limit climate change, as he pointed out that the Paris Agreement to limit climate change may be the most important step in the field of health for this century, and if the efforts aimed at transitioning towards a clean energy system are successful, this will not be Not only is it beneficial for the planet, it will have a positive impact on human health as well, and he called on individuals to support policies and leaders who make wise investment decisions, which promote healthy living, and protect our environment for future generations.
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Sources:
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