Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth's climate patterns, particularly those associated with an increase in average temperatures due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. This phenomenon has wide-ranging effects on environmental health, impacting air and water quality, biodiversity, and public health, leading to increased instances of heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and vector-borne diseases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that the global average temperature has risen by about 1.2°C since the late 19th century due to human-induced factors.
2. Climate change can lead to extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods, which pose direct threats to public health through injuries, disease transmission, and food insecurity.
3. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected by climate change due to limited access to resources and healthcare.
4. Air pollution from fossil fuel combustion worsens under climate change conditions, leading to increased respiratory diseases and other health issues.
5. Biodiversity loss due to changing habitats affects ecosystem services like pollination and clean water supply, ultimately impacting human health and food security.

Review Questions

• How does climate change specifically affect public health outcomes?
  • Climate change affects public health outcomes through various mechanisms such as increased heat-related illnesses from rising temperatures, worsened air quality leading to respiratory problems, and the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Vulnerable populations are especially at risk due to limited access to healthcare and resources. The impacts can also strain healthcare systems as they deal with more frequent and severe health issues linked to climate effects.
• Discuss the relationship between climate change and environmental justice.
  • The relationship between climate change and environmental justice is rooted in how marginalized communities often bear the brunt of its impacts. These communities may have less capacity to adapt due to socioeconomic factors, facing higher exposure to pollution and environmental hazards. As a result, they experience disproportionate health risks related to climate change. Addressing these inequities is crucial for achieving both climate resilience and social justice.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current strategies for mitigating climate change's impact on environmental health.
  • Evaluating current strategies for mitigating climate change's impact on environmental health reveals mixed effectiveness. Strategies such as transitioning to renewable energy sources and implementing stricter emissions regulations show promise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, challenges like political resistance, economic constraints, and varying levels of commitment across regions hinder progress. Long-term success requires a holistic approach that includes community engagement, technological innovation, and global cooperation to truly address the multifaceted impacts of climate change on health.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Global Warming: The long-term heating of Earth’s climate system due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.

Adaptation: The process of adjusting practices, processes, and structures to minimize damage from climate change impacts and take advantage of potential beneficial opportunities.