In a recent episode of “Science in 5,” WHO’s Dr. Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum addressed the effects of climate change bringing attention to the deep and immediate impacts it has on our health. Here’s what he said.
The Impact of Climate Change
Dr. Campbell-Lendrum began by sharing the direct consequences of climate change on our health. As global temperatures rise, especially in urban areas, individuals with pre-existing conditions, older adults, and those with heart disease face an increased risk of falling ill or even succumbing to extreme heat.
Beyond the direct health implications, climate change manifests in alterations to the environment.
Major Contributor to Global Mortality
Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns contribute to the drying out of ecosystems, escalating the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Dr. Campbell-Lendrum underlined that wildfires not only directly claim lives but also result in severe air pollution, a major contributor to global mortality, causing approximately 7 million deaths annually.
He added that climate change is also altering the transmission patterns of infectious diseases. Mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria and dengue, as well as waterborne diseases such as cholera, have become more prevalent as climate conditions become conducive to their spread.
The Effects on Health
However, the ultimate consequence of climate change is rendering certain regions uninhabitable. Whether through increased aridity affecting agriculture or rising sea levels submerging islands and entire countries, the indirect impact on health is profound as people are displaced from their homes according to the video.
Dr. Campbell-Lendrum painted a grim picture of future scenarios. He shared that the escalating temperatures that are currently breaking records worldwide will become the norm.
Morgues Overflowing With Bodies
He said, “We’ve seen heat waves across Asia, and we’ve seen direct people turning up in overwhelming hospitals and in some cases in some of the historic events, even morgues overflowing with bodies. So, unfortunately, that’s part of the scenarios that we see for the future.”
Dr. Campbell-Lendrum stressed the need for investments in hospitals, health workforce training, and overall system resilience to mitigate the impacts that are already inevitable due to past greenhouse gas emissions.
The Ray of Hope
As the world faces the overwhelming scenarios presented by climate change, Dr. Campbell-Lendrum offered a ray of hope.
He shared that awareness was the first line of defense, urging individuals to become “climate-smart” by understanding the health risks associated with extreme weather.
Practical measures such as staying hydrated, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and heeding weather warnings can significantly contribute to personal health during extreme conditions according to Dr. Campbell-Lendrum.
Moreover, he stressed that many actions beneficial for mitigating climate change are also conducive to individual health. Embracing sustainable practices, whether in transportation or diet, not only benefits the planet but, more crucially, individual health.
Support Policies and Leaders
He labeled the Paris Agreement as potentially the most significant health agreement of the century, underlining the symbiotic relationship between a healthy planet and healthy individuals.
In conclusion, Dr. Campbell-Lendrum urged individuals to support policies and leaders that prioritize both environmental conservation and public health.
So what are your thoughts? In the face of escalating climate change impacts on health, what steps can communities and individuals take to not only adapt but also contribute to global efforts in mitigating these impacts?
