In what way does climate change affect public health?

Climate change has a profound impact on public health, particularly by increasing the occurrence of heat-related illnesses and certain diseases. Rising global temperatures can lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, which pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can occur when the body is unable to regulate its temperature effectively due to extreme heat. Additionally, climate change can influence the spread of infectious diseases by altering the habitats of disease-carrying organisms, such as mosquitoes and ticks. This can result in the wider transmission of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease as these vectors expand into new areas that were previously unsuitable.

Moreover, climate change affects air quality, water supply, and food security, further compounding public health challenges. For example, increased temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can lead to reduced crop yields, malnutrition, and an increase in foodborne illnesses.

By understanding these connections, public health professionals can better prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change on health outcomes, making the recognition of climate change as a factor in the rising incidence of illness and disease crucial for public health planning and intervention.