WHY WE NEED TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE, NOW MORE THAN EVER

This past week climate change made big news thanks to the recently concluded COP 27 summit in Egypt. While countries debate on how best to tackle the global rise in temperature, the truth is that we’re all seeing the impact of climate change in real life—then be it giant craters unexpectedly cropping up across the globe, extreme weather events like hurricanes, or unbearably hot summers breaking all records year after year. In fact, between 2021 and 2022 India witnessed 13 cyclones, 136,604 fire points, prolonged monsoon and massive floods all thanks to climate change.?

It goes without saying that this global phenomenon does more than tamper with temperatures—it also impacts our survival in this great big world, especially as the changing climate also affects our ability to grow food. Over the past few decades, environmentalists, doctors, and health experts have tried to warn us about the impact on climate change on longevity. The World Health Organization estimates that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 2,50,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress.

Climate Change And Its Impact On Our Health

There are many ways in which climate change hinders good health—both physical and mental. While droughts and floods directly affect our ability to survive and threaten to cut short our lifespan, events like wildfires produce massive amounts of air pollution which can increase our risk of respiratory distress, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. An increase in food-, water-, and vector-borne diseases can also be attributed to climate change; in fact, changing weather patterns can also create favorable conditions for pandemics, with many experts theorizing that the COVID-19 crisis could be a byproduct of this phenomenon.?

As the heat rises, our organs—particularly the heart, lungs, and brain—feel the brunt of it, thus adding to the likelihood of succumbing to diseases. Heat stress also gives way to dehydration, which impacts our ability to function normally; and with climate change further reducing access to potable drinking water, we are slowly inching towards a vicious loop that further exacerbates the threat to our health and survival.?

But there's more to climate change and its impact on our health than just this, because what it also influences is the ability of our health systems to treat the high influx of patients, as it crumbles due to the lack of infrastructure and SOPs, especially as novel diseases present themselves faster than ever before.??

What Can We Do To Address The Climate Crisis?

While the world does need policy-level interventions to tackle climate change and its effects, there is a lot we can do as individuals to ensure our future generations have access to Mother Earth’s resources and get to live in a safe and healthy environment. Our efforts need to start by adopting a sustainable way of living, which includes:

1. Switching to a plant-based diet: Animal agriculture is the greatest driver behind deforestation and one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse emissions and water pollution. It is responsible for at least 16.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions and causes significant environmental degradation. Try to incorporate more greens and beans into your diet and reduce your intake of meat and dairy products. A diet which comprises primarily plant-based foods is also great for health as research suggests it reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.?
2. Using LED lights: Did you know that the lights we use in our home contribute to our carbon emissions as well? Which is why it is important to switch to LED lights that are environmentally friendly. They are made out of recyclable material, last longer, and require less energy expenditure. Using LED lights thus reduces our carbon footprint.
3. Adopting The “Reuse” Mindset: When we buy less, we encourage low production—which in turn reduces carbon emissions. So instead of throwing away something because it’s no longer in fashion or not useful to you, reuse or donate. Be mindful of what you buy—especially electronics, plastics, and other non-biodegradable items
4. Changing The Way We Commute: Every household these days has at least two or more vehicles. In 2019, India had about 295.8 million operational cars running on the road. In a country which has three major cities in the top 10 worst air quality, switching to public transport as a medium for travel can be a great way to bring down carbon emissions. You can also use cycles or walk to nearby places to amp up your fitness levels as well.
5. Supporting Sustainable Companies: Before buying a product, it is important to know the process behind delivering that product to you. Remember, what you invest in right now can shape the environment and your future on this Earth as well.

It’s time to become more conscious about the way we lead our lives and play our part in saving the planet. Share this newsletter and spread the word—because together, we can make a difference.?