Climate Change Has a Significant Impact on Your Health and a Leading Cause of Severe Health Issues: Know-How?

India is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius in numerous cities.? It affects the fundamental components of good health, such as clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supplies, and secure shelter.?

As per WHO, from 2030 to 2050, climate change will cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths annually due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. The direct health damage costs are projected to be between $2 billion and $4 billion annually by 2030.?

Apart from these statistics, the Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel extraction and combustion are major contributors to climate change and air pollution. However, the government takes various policies and actions, such as choices in transportation, food, and energy use, to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.?

For instance, phasing out polluting energy systems or promoting public transportation and active travel can lower carbon emissions and decrease the burden of household and ambient air pollution, which causes 7 million premature deaths annually.?

From Heat Stress to Heatstroke: The Escalating Health Risks of Rising Temperatures

Rising temperatures are leading to a significant increase in heat-related diseases. However, according to the WHO, extreme heat causes over 70,000 deaths annually. Immediate actions are essential to mitigate these health impacts and protect the environment from the escalating dangers of extreme heat. Let’s understand some of these causes-?

1. Rising Temperatures and Health Impacts

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has established clear guidelines for identifying a heatwave: it occurs when the maximum temperature reaches 45°C (113°F), irrespective of the typical maximum temperature, or when the maximum temperature exceeds the region's normal maximum temperature by 4.5°C (8.1°F to 11.5°F).? Global temperatures are on an upward trajectory, with the last decade being the hottest on record.?

Health Impacts

Heatwaves can aggravate pre-existing health conditions and may increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Older adults, children, and those with chronic diseases are at higher risk. Heat stress can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and, in severe cases, heatstroke, which can be fatal if not handled or treated carefully.

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2. Worsening Air Quality and Respiratory Problems

Air Pollution and Mortality Rates

Air pollution is a silent killer that has worsened climate change. The WHO reports that air pollution is responsible for 7 million premature deaths annually. The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires are all because of climate change, further degrading air quality and releasing harmful particulates and toxins.

Health Impacts

Poor air quality is linked to various respiratory problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Children, older people, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions are at high risk of exposure to air pollution. Much research indicates that long-term exposure to polluted air can reduce lung functioning in children and increase the risk of respiratory infections.

3. Spread of Infectious Diseases

Vector-Borne Diseases and Climate Change

India is home to six significant vector-borne diseases (VBD), including malaria, dengue, chikungunya, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, and visceral leishmaniasis. While the incidence of most of these diseases has declined over the years, chikungunya has experienced a resurgence since 2005. Similarly, the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, has increased, with the WHO estimating that dengue infects 390 million people each year, a significant rise from previous decades.

Health Impacts

Changes in temperature, precipitation, and humidity influence the life cycles of vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, facilitating the spread of malaria, Zika, and West Nile. This results in increased morbidity and mortality and additional burdens on healthcare systems, especially in developing countries with limited resources.

4. Mental Health Challenges

Psychological Distress and Extreme Weather Events

The mental health impacts of climate change are often overlooked. Studies show that climate change increases mental distress such as 'eco-anxiety,' 'solastalgia,' and ‘ecological grief. Additionally, people who are affected by extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods, exhibit higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.?

Health Impacts

The psychological toll of climate change includes increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.?

5. Food and Water Security

Climate Change and Malnutrition

Climate change adversely affects food and water security and increases malnutrition and related health issues. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that climate change could increase the number of undernourished people by 122 million by 2050. Additionally, the United Nations reports that water scarcity affects 40% of the global population, a figure expected to rise due to climate change.

Health Impacts

Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can reduce agricultural yields, affecting the availability and quality of food. This leads to malnutrition in children and older people. Polluted water and scarcity increase the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.

Is this extreme heat indicating some big problem in the future?

The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events are a strong indicator of a big problem in the future. This problem is linked to climate change. Here's why:

• Rising Temperatures- Global temperatures have been steadily increasing, with the last decade being the warmest on record. The Earth's average land and ocean surface temperature in 2023 was 2.12 degrees F (1.18 degrees C) above the 20th century- the highest global temperature in all years.?

• Increased Frequency of Heatwaves—The frequency and intensity of heat waves have surged in recent years. For instance, a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change found that heat waves are occurring more frequently in nearly every part of the world.?

• Health Impacts- Extreme heat poses severe health risks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heatwaves result in thousands of deaths each year. For example, a study published in The Lancet estimated that heat-related deaths in India have increased up to 55% in 17 years.??

Solutions to Mitigate Health Impacts of Climate Change in India

Due to climate change, India faces significant health challenges, including extreme heat, poor air quality, water scarcity, and food insecurity. Here are some strategies to mitigate climate change in India-

1. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

???- Transition to Renewable Energy: India has set an ambitious target to achieve 175 GW renewable energy capacity by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030. As of 2021, India had already installed 100 GW of renewable energy capacity.

2. Enhance Public Health Infrastructure

• Heat Action Plans: Cities like Ahmedabad have implemented Heat Action Plans that include early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and training for healthcare professionals. These plans have been shown to reduce heat wave mortality by up to 50% in some areas.
• Healthcare Access: India's National Health Policy 2017 aims to increase public health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by 2025 to strengthen health infrastructure and improve healthcare services.

3. Improve Air Quality:

???- Pollution Control Measures: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations by 20-30% in 2024 compared to 2017.?

???- Promotion of Public Transport: The Delhi Metro has significantly reduced the number of vehicles on the road, cutting CO2 emissions by 6.3 lakh tons annually.?

4. Ensure Food and Water Security

• Water Management: The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024. Safe drinking water has reached more than 14.15 crore rural households and over 9.25 lakh rural schools.?

By adopting these solutions, India can mitigate the health impacts of climate change and build a resilient, sustainable future. Collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and communities is essential to driving these initiatives forward and protecting public health.

The Urgent Need to Address Climate Change for Better Health

Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing public health challenges. We all need to understand and address these health impacts, ensure a healthy environment, and build a healthier future for all.

On this World Environment Day, Redcliffe Labs is committed to raising awareness about the critical link between climate change and human health. As temperatures rise and environmental conditions worsen, the health impacts become more severe. The implications are significant, from heat-related illnesses to respiratory problems caused by poor air quality.

Redcliffe Labs promotes environmental sustainability and public health through advanced diagnostic services and research. With a comprehensive understanding and awareness of the health impacts of climate change, we can take proactive steps to protect our communities and ensure a healthier future.