The influence of climatic changes on human health

The influence of climatic changes on human health

I. Paths of exposure to climatic changes in human health

The climatic changes caused by anthropogenic activities are a serious threat to human health. The impact occurs in various ways, affecting both physical and mental well -being. Direct influences include extreme weather phenomena, such as heat waves, floods, droughts and hurricanes. Indirect effects are due to changes in environmental and social systems, including the spread of infectious diseases, deterioration in air and water quality, decrease in food security and the movement of the population.

A. Extreme weather phenomena

1. Waves of the heat:

   • Physiological mechanisms: High temperatures have a strong effect on thermoregulation of the body. Sweatiness, which is the main cooling mechanism, can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disorders. The cardiovascular system experiences an increased load, increasing the heart rate and the risk of heart attacks. Vulnerable groups of the population, such as elderly people, babies and faces with chronic diseases, are especially susceptible to the warming impact, characterized by high body temperature, impaired consciousness and organs failure.
   • Epidemiological data: Numerous studies show a significant increase in mortality during heat waves. So, a wave of heat in Europe in 2003 led to tens of thousands of premature deaths. An analysis of mortality data in different regions of the world demonstrates a close relationship between extremely high temperatures and an increase in mortality from cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and thermal blow.
   • Preventive measures: It is necessary to develop and implement plans for response to waves of heat, including early warning systems, informing the population about precautions (abundant drink, stay in cool rooms, limiting physical activity), organizing cooling points and providing medical care. Urban planning should take into account the need to create “green” zones and the use of heat -reflecting materials to reduce the effect of the “city thermal island”.

2. Floods:

   • Direct consequences: Floods lead to drowning, injuries and injuries. Direct contact with polluted water increases the risk of infectious diseases such as leptospirosis, hepatitis A and intestinal infections. The flooding of houses and infrastructure leads to the movement of the population and creates the conditions for the spread of infections.
   • Indirect consequences: Flooding can pollute drinking water sources, lead to damage to sewage systems and wastewater treatment, creating favorable conditions for the propagation of mosquitoes and other diseases of the diseases. Damage to medical institutions and violation of transport infrastructure makes access to medical care. Psychological consequences, such as anxiety, depression and post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can also be significant.
   • Preventive measures: Effective early warning systems, land use planning, the construction of dams and other engineering structures, as well as the improvement of drainage systems can reduce the risk of floods. It is important to ensure the access of the population to pure drinking water and sanitary conditions, as well as carry out preventive measures to combat infectious diseases. Psychological support to the victims of floods is an important component of assistance.

3. Droughts:

   • Influence on food security: Droughts lead to crop failures, food deficiency and an increase in food prices. This can lead to malnutrition, especially among children and pregnant women, and increases the risk of developing alimentary-dependent diseases.
   • Influence on water quality: Droughts lead to a decrease in water level in reservoirs and an increase in the concentration of pollutants. This worsens the quality of drinking water and increases the risk of water diseases. The lack of water for hygienic purposes also contributes to the spread of infections.
   • Influence on mental health: Droughts can lead to a loss of livelihood, social instability and population migration. These factors can cause anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.
   • Adaptation strategies: The development of drought -resistant varieties of agricultural crops, effective management of water resources, investments in irrigation systems and diversification of income sources can reduce the impact of drought on the health of the population. It is also necessary to provide access to safe drinking water and provide psychological support.

4. Hurricanes and storms:

   • Trauma and mortality: Hurricanes and storms lead to injuries, injuries and deaths caused by a strong wind, floods and collapse of buildings.
   • Infectious diseases: The destruction of the healthcare infrastructure and violation of sanitary conditions create conditions for the spread of infectious diseases, such as cholera, typhoid fever and hepatitis A.
   • Mental health: Hurricanes and storms can cause PTSR, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.
   • Mitting measures to mitigate the consequences: Improving early warning systems, strengthening buildings and infrastructure, developing evacuation plans and ensuring access to medical care can reduce the effects of hurricanes and storms on the public public. Psychological support to the victims is an important component of assistance.

B. A change in the spread of infectious diseases

1. Disease carriers:

   • Mosquitoes: An increase in temperature and a change in the amount of precipitation expand the habitat of mosquitoes and lengthen the period of their activity. This increases the risk of the spread of diseases transferred by mosquitoes, such as malaria, Denge’s fever, Zika’s fever and chikungunya. Changes in land use and urbanization also affect the spread of mosquitoes and the risk of transmission of diseases.
   • Pliers: Similarly, mosquitoes, climate change expands the habitat of ticks and lengthens the period of their activity. This increases the risk of lime diseases, tick -borne encephalitis and other tick -borne infections.
   • Rodents: Changes in the climate and land use affect the populations of rodents and their distribution. This can increase the risk of the spread of diseases transferred by rodents, such as leptospirosis, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and handavirous pulmonary syndrome.
   • Control measures: Control of carrier populations, the use of repellents, wearing protective clothing and vaccination (if any) can reduce the risk of infectious infectious diseases. It is also necessary to monitor the spread of carriers and diseases, as well as develop adaptation strategies to changing conditions.

2. Aqueous disease:

   • Water pollution: An increase in water temperature and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather phenomena, such as floods and droughts, can lead to pollution of drinking water sources with pathogenic microorganisms. This increases the risk of diseases transmitted through water, such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery and hepatitis A.
   • Propagation of pathogens: An increase in water temperature contributes to the reproduction of bacteria and algae, including cyanobacteria, which can secrete toxins that are dangerous to human health.
   • Prevention measures: Ensuring access to safe drinking water, improving sanitary conditions, wastewater treatment and water quality monitoring can reduce the risk of diseases transmitted through water. It is also necessary to conduct information campaigns about hygiene rules and the safe use of water.

3. Zonozoic infections:

   • Transfer from animals to humans: Change in climate and land use can change the interaction between humans and animals, increasing the risk of transmitting zoone infections, such as Covid-19, Ebola and bird flu.
   • Monitoring and control: It is important to monitor animal populations and their health, as well as develop strategies for preventing the transfer of zoone infections from animals to humans. It is also necessary to strengthen healthcare systems and ensure a willingness to respond to outbreaks of new infectious diseases.

C. air pollution

1. Ozone:

   • Ozone Education: An increase in temperature contributes to the formation of ozone in the troposphere, which is the main component of the smog. Ozone irritates the respiratory tract and can cause cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and a decrease in lung function.
   • Vulnerable groups: Children, elderly people and people with asthma or other respiratory diseases are especially sensitive to ozone.
   • Control measures: Reducing emissions of pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, can reduce the level of ozone in the air.

2. Small -dispersed particles (PM2.5):

   • Sources PM2.5: Climate change can lead to an increase in the concentration of PM2.5 in the air due to forest fires, droughts and an increase in the use of fossil fuel. PM2.5 penetrates deep into the lungs and can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as lung cancer.
   • Impact on health: The long-term effect of PM2.5 is associated with an increase in mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
   • Measures to reduce influence: The reduction in PM2.5 emissions from industrial enterprises, vehicles and household sources, as well as the use of renewable energy sources can improve air quality.

3. Allergens:

   • Increase in the concentration of pollen: An increase in temperature and an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contribute to an increase in the production of pollen with plants and lengthening the flowering season. This leads to an increase in the number of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma.
   • Prevention measures: Monitoring of pollen concentration in the air, the use of antihistamines and avoiding contact with allergens can reduce allergies symptoms.

D. Food Security and Nutrition

1. Reduced yield:

   • Impact climate: Climate change, including an increase in temperature, a change in the amount of precipitation and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather phenomena, can lead to a decrease in agricultural crop yields. This poses a threat to food security and can lead to malnutrition and deficiency of nutrients.
   • Agricultural adaptation: The development of drought -resistant varieties of agricultural crops, effective management of water resources, the use of stable agricultural methods and diversification of agricultural production can reduce the effects of climatic changes on agriculture.

2. Changing the nutritional value of products:

   • Microelements deficiency: An increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can reduce the concentration of some nutrients, such as iron and zinc, in agricultural crops. This can lead to a deficiency of trace elements in the population, especially in developing countries.
   • Enrichment of products: Enrichment of food with microelements and diversification of the diet can help prevent a deficiency of nutrients.

3. Food pollution:

   • Aflatoxins: Climate change can contribute to the growth of mushrooms producing Aflatoxins in agricultural crops, such as peanuts and corn. Aflatoxins are carcinogens and can cause liver diseases.
   • Sea toxins: An increase in water temperature and oceans pollution can contribute to the propagation of algae producing sea toxins that can accumulate in seafood. Eating polluted seafood can cause poisoning.
   • Monitoring and control: It is necessary to monitor pollution of food products with toxins and develop strategies for preventing pollution.

E. Movement of the population and migration

1. Forced movement:

   • Ecological refugees: Extreme weather phenomena, such as floods, droughts and hurricanes, can lead to a forced movement of the population and migration to other regions. People moved due to environmental disasters often face difficulties in providing housing, food, water and medical help.
   • Migrant health: Migrants are often exposed to increased risk of infectious diseases, malnutrition and mental disorders.
   • Support measures: It is necessary to assist the displaced population in providing housing, food, water, medical care and psychological support.

2. Social tension:

   • Conflicts due to resources: The migration of the population can lead to an increase in demand for resources, such as water, land and food, which can cause social tension and conflicts.
   • Migrant integration: It is important to ensure the integration of migrants into the host communities and prevent discrimination and stigmatization.

F. Mental Health

1. Anxiety and depression:

   • Environmental anxiety: Climate change can cause anxiety, depression and other mental disorders, especially among young people and people worried about the future of the planet.
   • Psychological consequences of disasters: Extreme weather phenomena and other environmental disasters can cause PTSR, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.
   • Psychological support: It is necessary to provide psychological support to people who have suffered from climatic changes and environmental disasters.

2. Social support:

   • Social isolation: Climate change can lead to social isolation and loss of social ties, which can negatively affect mental health.
   • Strengthening social ties: It is important to strengthen social ties and maintain social networks in order to help people cope with the psychological consequences of climatic changes.

II. Vulnerable groups of the population

Not all people are equally affected by the negative effects of climatic changes in health. Some groups of the population are more vulnerable due to physiological, social and economic factors.

A. Children:

• Physiological vulnerability: Children are more susceptible to high temperatures, air pollution and infectious diseases. Their immune system is not yet fully developed, and they have a higher respiratory rate, which increases their effects on pollutants in the air.
• Nutrition: Children are especially vulnerable to malnutrition and deficiency of nutrients, caused by a decrease in agricultural crop yields.
• Development: The impact of climatic changes on children’s health can have a long -term negative impact on their physical and mental development.

B. Older people:

• Physiological changes: Older people have a reduced ability to thermoregulation and a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which makes them more vulnerable to high temperatures.
• Chronic diseases: Older people often suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and respiratory diseases that can aggravate the effects of climatic changes.
• Social isolation: Older people often live alone and may not have access to information and support necessary to protect against climatic changes.

C. People with chronic diseases:

• Respiratory diseases: People with asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases are especially vulnerable to air pollution and allergens.
• Cardiovascular diseases: People with cardiovascular diseases are more vulnerable to high temperatures and air pollution.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more vulnerable to high temperatures and dehydration.

D. People with low socio-economic status:

• Limited access to resources: People with low socio-economic status often have limited access to resources necessary to protect against climatic changes, such as air conditioning, medical care and safe drinking water.
• Housing conditions: People with low socio-economic status often live in houses that are not adapted to extreme weather conditions.
• Work: People with low socio-economic status often work outdoors and are at greater risk of high temperatures and air pollution.

E. Indigenous peoples:

• Dependence on natural resources: The indigenous peoples often depend on natural resources for their existence and culture, and therefore they are especially vulnerable to the influence of climatic changes on these resources.
• Social isolation: Indigenous peoples often live in remote areas and may not have access to medical care and other services.
• Unique knowledge: The indigenous peoples have unique knowledge about traditional methods of adaptation to climatic changes.

III. Strategies for adaptation and mitigation of the consequences

To protect the health of the population from the effects of climatic changes, it is necessary to take measures both to adapt to changing conditions, and to mitigate the consequences of climate change.

A. Adaptation:

1. Improving health systems:

   • Preparation for extreme weather phenomena: Health systems should be prepared to respond to extreme weather phenomena, such as waves of heat, floods and hurricanes. This includes the development of emergency response plans, ensuring access to medical care and training of medical personnel.
   • Strengthening epidemiological supervision: It is necessary to strengthen the epidemiological supervision of the monitoring of the spread of infectious diseases and the detection of flashes.
   • Improving the stability of healthcare systems: It is necessary to increase the stability of healthcare systems to the influence of climatic changes, for example, by building medical institutions resistant to floods and other extreme weather phenomena.

2. Improving water supply and sanitation systems:

   • Ensuring access to safe drinking water: It is necessary to ensure the access of the population to safe drinking water, especially in areas subject to drought and floods.
   • Sanitation: It is necessary to improve sanitary conditions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
   • Water resource management: It is necessary to effectively manage water resources in order to ensure sustainable water supply in conditions of climate change.

3. Improving food security:

   • Support for sustainable agriculture: It is necessary to maintain sustainable agriculture, which is resistant to climatic changes.
   • Diversification of the diet: It is necessary to diversify the diet to provide a sufficient amount of nutrients.
   • Reducing food waste: It is necessary to reduce food waste to reduce the load on food resources.

4. Improving urban planning:

   • Creating “green” zones: It is necessary to create “green” zones in cities in order to reduce the effect of the “city thermal island” and improve air quality.
   • Improving transport infrastructure: It is necessary to improve the transport infrastructure in order to reduce emissions of pollutants from vehicles.
   • Strengthening buildings: It is necessary to strengthen the buildings so that they are resistant to extreme weather phenomena.

5. Increased awareness of the population:

   • Information about risks: It is necessary to inform the population about risks associated with climatic changes, and about measures that can be taken to protect their health.
   • Adaptation skills training: It is necessary to teach the population the skills of adaptation to changing conditions, such as the correct use of water and food, as well as precautions during extreme weather phenomena.

B. Mitigation of the consequences:

1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions:

   • The transition to renewable energy sources: It is necessary to proceed to renewable energy sources, such as sunny, chicken and hydropower, in order to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel.
   • Improving energy efficiency: It is necessary to increase energy efficiency in industry, transport and housing sector in order to reduce energy consumption.
   • Sustainable transport: It is necessary to develop sustainable transport, such as public transport, bicycles and pedestrian paths.

2. Increase in carbon dioxide absorption:

   • Forestry and icing: It is necessary to carry out logging and overword in order to increase the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
   • Sustainable land use: It is necessary to practice sustainable land use in order to increase the absorption of carbon dioxide soil.
   • Preservation of existing forests: It is necessary to preserve existing forests, which are important carbon dioxide absorptions.

3. International cooperation:

   • Paris Agreement: It is necessary to comply with the Paris Climate Agreement and take more ambitious measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
   • Technology transfer: It is necessary to transmit technologies and provide financial assistance to developing countries in order to help them adapt to climatic changes and soften their consequences.
   • Joint research: It is necessary to conduct joint research to develop new technologies and strategies for combating climate change.

IV. Political and social aspects

The solution to the problem of the influence of climatic changes on human health requires an integrated approach, including political, social and economic measures.

A. Political measures:

• Development of national strategies: Governments should develop national strategies for adaptation to climatic changes and mitigate their consequences, including specific goals and indicators.
• Emissions regulation: Governments should regulate greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants in order to reduce air pollution and slow down the climate change.
• Investments in stable infrastructure: Governments must invest in stable infrastructure, such as renewable energy sources, public transport and water treatment facilities.
• Protection of vulnerable groups: Governments should take measures to protect vulnerable population groups from the effects of climatic changes, such as ensuring access to medical care, food and housing.

B. Social measures:

• Increased awareness: It is necessary to increase the knowledge of the risks associated with climatic changes, and the measures that can be taken to protect their health and the environment.
• Population: It is necessary to involve the population in making decisions on issues related to climatic changes in order to ensure the support and participation of the public.
• Support for public organizations: It is necessary to support public organizations that work to solve the problem of climate change and environmental protection.
• Change in consumer behavior: It is necessary to encourage a change in consumer behavior, such as the use of public transport, reducing meat consumption and buying environmentally friendly products.

C. Economic measures:

• Carbon pricing: It is necessary to introduce carbon pricing in order to stimulate a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
• Subsidies for renewable energy sources: It is necessary to provide subsidies for renewable energy sources in order to make them more competitive.
• Investments in “green” technologies: It is necessary to invest in “green” technologies, such as electric cars and energy -efficient buildings.
• Creation of “green” jobs: It is necessary to create “green” jobs in sectors associated with renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and environmental protection.

V. Conclusion

The influence of climatic changes on human health is a serious and growing threat. To protect the health of the population, urgent measures to adapt to changing conditions and mitigate the consequences of climate change. This requires an integrated approach, including political, social and economic measures, as well as international cooperation. Success in the fight against climate change and the protection of public health depends on the readiness of governments, enterprises and citizens to take the necessary measures.