Impact of Climate Change on Health

Globally, rising greenhouse gas concentrations is driving increases in temperature, changes in precipitation, increases in the frequency and intensity of some extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. The same pollution that is driving climate change can have an impact on human health, ranging from acute injuries, chronic illnesses and even death.

Climate Change and Our Environment

Climate change negatively impact our health by exposing us to:

  • Extreme Heat

  • Air Pollution

  • Water Contamination

  • Changes in Vector Ecology

  • Increasing Allergens

  • Decreased Food Supply and Quality

  • Population Displacement

Climate Threats to Our Health

Heat Stress and Heat Stroke

Increasing temperatures may lead to an increase in death and illness by compromising the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, or by inducing health complications. Complications include: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, hyperthermia, and/or death. Exposure to extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.

Respiratory Disease

Changes in the concentration of air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter PM2.5 (wild fire, power plants) and ozone (component of smog), may lead to acute and chronic respiratory illnesses (asthma). Increasing levels of greenhouse gasses also promotes the growth of plants and the release of allergens, leading to an increase prevalence of allergic illness. Flooding and water intrusion can result in mold contamination leading respiratory illness.

Cardiovascular Disease

Vulnerable populations, especially those with chronic medical illness, are at increasing risk for hospitalization and/or death from cardiovascular disease. Extreme events (heat waves, hurricane, tornadoes, floods) and air pollution are a few of the pathways leading to illness and premature death.

Gastrointestinal Illness

Increasing temperature, extreme precipitation and related runoff, and storm surge can affect fresh and marine water — exposing people to water-related contaminants such as pathogenic organisms, chemicals and toxins. This exposure can lead to diarrheal disease and negative outcomes. Children and elderly are most vulnerable.

Vector-Borne Diseases

These are illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, etc. Rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and extreme events can influence the distribution, amount and prevalence of illnesses such as Lyme disease, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Dengue fever, Spotted fever, Malaria and many others. Vector seasons may start sooner, affect a wider population and last longer.

Mental Health Illness

Following extreme events (heat waves, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, earthquakes), mental health problems increase 0151 both in people without prior history and in those at risk. Common disorders include stress, anxiety, depression, post-trauma stress and suicidality. Vulnerable people include children, elderly, pregnant women those with pre-existing mental conditions, the homeless and first responders.

Adverse Birth Outcomes

Climate change and extreme temperatures has unfavorable effects on pregnancy and the fetus. Climate-related pregnancy outcomes include eeclampsia, preeclampsia, pre-term birth and congenital cataract.

Physical Trauma and Death

The impact of extreme events to human health include injury, trauma and death. These outcomes can occur before (while preparing for the event), during (due to trauma, drowning, electrocution) and after the event (while cleaning up and repairing).

Vulnerable Populations at Higher Risk

  • Children and Pregnant Women

  • Elderly

  • People with Chronic Medical and Mental Conditions

  • Vulnerable Occupational Groups

  • People with Disabilities

  • Low Socioeconomic Status Groups

  • Some Communities of Color

  • Immigrant Groups

  • Indigenous People

References