Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant alterations in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It affects environmental health by exacerbating air and water quality issues, contributing to extreme weather events, and influencing the spread of infectious diseases, highlighting its critical importance in the study of public health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is linked to an increase in respiratory illnesses due to worsened air quality from pollution and allergens.
2. Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and marginalized groups, face greater risks from climate change due to limited access to resources and healthcare.
3. Extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, leading to health risks from injury, displacement, and food insecurity.
4. Climate change can alter the distribution of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, exposing more people to these health threats.
5. Mitigating climate change through improved environmental policies can lead to public health benefits by reducing pollution-related diseases and enhancing community resilience.

Review Questions

• How does climate change impact air quality and subsequently affect public health?
  • Climate change negatively affects air quality by increasing temperatures that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant. Poor air quality is associated with respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, leading to increased hospitalizations and healthcare costs. Furthermore, vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are particularly at risk for severe health outcomes due to their heightened sensitivity to air pollutants.
• Discuss how climate change contributes to health disparities among different socioeconomic groups.
  • Climate change exacerbates existing health disparities because low-income communities often lack the resources needed for adaptation. These communities may face higher exposure to environmental hazards like flooding or heat waves due to inadequate housing and infrastructure. Limited access to healthcare services further compounds the impacts of climate change on these populations, making it more difficult for them to recover from climate-related health issues.
• Evaluate the potential public health strategies that can be implemented to address the impacts of climate change.
  • Public health strategies aimed at addressing climate change can include promoting sustainable practices like reducing emissions through cleaner energy sources, enhancing community preparedness for extreme weather events, and increasing access to healthcare for vulnerable populations. Policies that prioritize green spaces can also improve air quality and mental health outcomes. By integrating climate resilience into public health planning, communities can better protect their populations from the multifaceted effects of climate change.

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.

sustainability: The practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often related to environmental health and climate change.

ecosystem services: The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation, which can be impacted by climate change.