Why Climate Change Will Impact Your Health

Bill Gates has joined the throng of high-profile individuals rallying for climate action. His new book, ‘How to Avoid a Climate Disaster’, stresses the urgency of creating long-term strategies to combat the climate change threat.

Although it might not immediately seem like it, climate change and global health are intrinsically linked.

So how will climate change affect your health? Read on to find out!

More Infectious Disease …

After the year we’ve endured, it’s fair to say we’ve had enough of major infectious disease to last us a lifetime.

Climate change, however, will ensure it’s a regular occurrence.

Models by the Lancet show that worldwide, climate suitability for disease transmission has soared. Since the 1950s, malaria’s vectorial capacity has surged by 38.7% in Africa, and 149.7% in the Western Pacific region.

The consequences are already evident.

In the densely populated Ethiopian highlands, two-thirds of Ethiopians are now at risk of malaria. Rising temperatures are eroding the natural protection these highland regions once afforded against the disease.

Rising temperatures means malaria is spreading to the Ethiopian highlands, with 2/3 of Ethiopians now at risk. Credit: Columbia University.

Food Scarcity & Malnutrition

Food is a source of energy, nutrition, and comfort. After all, you only have to look at the number of people turning to baking during lockdown!

Climate change will threaten this.

Changes in rainfall, rising temperatures, and extreme weather have resulted in crop yield declines. Meat and fish yields are also projected to plummet. The result?

Global numbers of undernourished people is predicted to escalate to over 840 million in 2030. This will exacerbate inequalities, disproportionately impacting countries already victim to poverty and malnutrition.

Wealthier countries are not spared, however.

Dwindling food production means our weekly food shops will become more expensive. The quality of our food will drop too. Increases in atmospheric CO2 results in poorer soil, with reduced levels of vitamins and nutrients such as calcium and iron in our food.

Climate change will result in decreasing crop yields as well as rising food prices and reduced nutritional value in food. Credit: Adobe Stock.

Mental Health Challenges

Climate change impacts our mental health. Direct victims of climate catastrophes such as flooding, droughts and wildfires are at higher risk of anxiety, depression and PTSD.

How about those of us lucky enough to live in unaffected areas?

We’re not exempt either.

‘Climate anxiety’ describes anxiety related to the global climate crisis and the threat of environmental disaster. It’s more prevalent in younger generations, and becoming increasingly explored in the mental health literature.

Globally, the mental health impact is challenging to quantify. Why?

Stigma, under-reporting and variations in cultural understandings of mental health all contribute. There’s a need for more research to understand and therefore mitigate the effects of climate anxiety.

Climate change impacts mental health both directly and indirectly. More research must be done to quantify the global scale. Credit: Grist.

What can we do about the climate change threat?

Government policy is key.

The current focus on renewable energies is not enough. They account for merely 30% of total carbon emissions. For the other 70%, we must reduce fossil fuel usage. Gates argues that economic deterrence is the way forward. He advocates for an overhaul on fossil fuel product prices, to account for the environmental damage they inflict.

But what can you do?

On an individual basis, there are multiple ways we can get involved. Simple lifestyle changes such as opting for walking or cycling over cars, and reducing meat consumption.

As students, let’s raise awareness within our peers. Joining student campaigns that raise awareness is a good start — examples include Healthy Planet UK and Health Care Without Harm.

Why not go further and make an impact within our schools?

A 2019 global survey showed that only 15% of medical schools included climate change and health in their curriculums. Let’s work with faculties to incorporate climate content in our teaching.

Nobody is immune from climate change and the subsequent health impacts. Let’s act now, to prevent further disruption to lives and ensure a brighter, cleaner future.

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About the author

Jessy Zhang is a fourth year medical student at University of Cambridge, with interests in healthcare inequality, policy, and mental health. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading and travelling!

References

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