5 Ways Climate Change Impacts Human Health

Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a major public health threat that is already affecting millions of people around the world. The latest Lancet Countdown report explains how the effects of global warming – rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing disease patterns – are putting human health at risk in multiple ways.

Key Points

• Heat Stress and Heatwaves: Rising global temperatures are leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves. Extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
• Air Quality Deterioration: Increased temperatures and pollution from wildfires contribute to poor air quality, which can worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exposure to air pollution is linked to a rise in premature deaths and other health issues.
• Vector-Borne Diseases: Climate change is altering the habitats of disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks. This shift is increasing the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease into new regions where populations have little immunity or experience in dealing with these illnesses.
• Food and Water Security: Changes in weather patterns and extreme events like droughts and floods are affecting agriculture and water supply, leading to food and water insecurity. Malnutrition and waterborne diseases can become more prevalent as access to these basic needs becomes more uncertain.
• Mental Health Impacts: The psychological effects of climate change can be profound. People who experience extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, wildfires, or floods, often suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The uncertainty and stress of living in high-risk areas also contribute to declining mental health.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing the health impacts of climate change requires urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt health systems, and build resilience in communities. This includes public health interventions, infrastructure improvements, and targeted support for those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Here is the pdf of the 2024 Lancet Countdown Report: