15.2 Climate Change and Environmental Health

Climate change poses significant threats to environmental health, impacting ecosystems and human well-being. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns are just a few consequences of our changing climate.

Environmental justice is crucial in addressing climate change, as disadvantaged communities often face greater environmental burdens. Adaptation and mitigation strategies are key to building resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting both human and planetary health.

Climate Change and Environmental Impact

Causes and Consequences of Climate Change

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• Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions
• Greenhouse effect is a natural process where gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, warming the planet's surface
  • Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor) allow sunlight to pass through but prevent heat from escaping back into space
• Carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by our actions (burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes)
  • Reducing carbon footprint through lifestyle changes (using renewable energy, driving less, eating plant-based diets) can help mitigate climate change
• Environmental health focuses on the interrelationships between people and their environment, promoting human health and well-being, and fostering healthy and safe communities

Environmental Justice and Equity

• Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in developing, implementing, and enforcing environmental laws, regulations, and policies
  • Aims to address disproportionate environmental burdens (pollution, lack of green spaces) faced by disadvantaged communities
• Low-income and minority populations often experience greater exposure to environmental hazards (toxic waste sites, air pollution) and limited access to resources
  • These disparities contribute to health inequities and environmental racism
• Equitable environmental policies ensure all individuals have the opportunity to live, work, and play in a clean and healthy environment, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status

Health Consequences of Climate Change

Climate-Sensitive Diseases

• Climate change can affect the spread and severity of climate-sensitive diseases, which are influenced by weather and environmental conditions
  • Vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue fever) may expand their range as rising temperatures allow mosquitoes to survive in new areas
  • Waterborne diseases (cholera, diarrheal illnesses) can increase due to more frequent and intense rainfall events, leading to contaminated water sources
• Extreme weather events (heatwaves, floods, droughts) associated with climate change can cause direct health impacts (heat stress, injuries) and indirect effects (food insecurity, mental health issues)

Planetary and One Health Approaches

• Planetary health recognizes that human health and well-being are intrinsically linked to the health of our planet's natural systems
  • Emphasizes the need to address environmental challenges (climate change, biodiversity loss) to protect human health
• One Health approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health
  • Encourages collaboration across disciplines (medicine, veterinary science, ecology) to address complex health issues
  • Examples include monitoring wildlife populations for emerging zoonotic diseases (COVID-19) and promoting sustainable agriculture practices to reduce environmental degradation

Responding to Climate Change

Adaptation Strategies

• Adaptation strategies aim to reduce the vulnerability of communities and ecosystems to the impacts of climate change
  • Developing early warning systems for extreme weather events (hurricanes, heatwaves) to protect public health
  • Implementing urban greening initiatives (green roofs, parks) to reduce heat island effect and improve air quality
  • Promoting climate-resilient agriculture practices (drought-resistant crops, water conservation) to ensure food security
• Adaptation efforts often focus on building resilience, the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to the adverse effects of climate change

Mitigation Strategies

• Mitigation strategies seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the extent of future climate change
  • Transitioning to renewable energy sources (solar, wind) to decrease reliance on fossil fuels
  • Implementing energy efficiency measures (insulation, LED lighting) to reduce energy consumption in buildings and industries
  • Promoting sustainable transportation options (public transit, electric vehicles) to cut emissions from the transportation sector
• Nature-based solutions (reforestation, wetland restoration) can also help mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while providing co-benefits for biodiversity and human well-being