Health Problems Caused By Climate Change

Climate change is a reality in our world today and it is also a threat to the publics health. Climate change refers to any notable change in the climate, such as temperature, precipitation, wind, and other weather patterns, that lasts for decades or longer. Climate change is caused by a variety of different factors including excessive pollutants being released into the atmosphere. Pollutants are not a natural substance and when they enter into our body they can cause damage.

There is proof that certain diseases are highly sensitive to changing temperatures and rain. These disease include malaria, malnutrition and diarrhea. Throughout the world the extent of some diseases are directly releated to the climate in each region. For example, extremely hot climates tend to have a higher loss of life due to malnutrition and malaria. As the climate continues to change it also effects the ecological systems which do not have time to adapt to such extreme weather. This can affect human health in numerous ways. For one, the change of an ecosystem can change the number of infective parasites which may lead to infections and disease in humans. Warmer temperatures can also increase air and water pollution which directly affects the health of millions of people. Heat waves caused by climate change can also affect those with heart problems, asthma, the elderly, the very young and the homeless. Air pollution is commonly caused by the use of fossil fuels and it can make the smog more intense, especially in highly populated cities. This leads to much higher rates of respiratory problems such as asthma and can also caused heart disease. Poor countries also feel the effects of climate change, especially because the health care that they have access to is usually poor.

At the rate our world is changing, it is impossible to predict the extent to which climate change will continue to affect human beings and their health. Prevention is the first step towards the change to a healthier world and we can all do our part. Recyling, riding our bikes instead of driving a vehicle, using energy efficient light bulbs and appliances, and using eco friendly products are all ways that you can reduce your impact on the world.