How Climate Impacts Health
If you asked a stranger for a quick weather report, most would quickly be able to tell you if it was sunny or cloudy, rainy, or windy. However, how many could tell you about the climate? National Geographic defines climate as the “long-term pattern of weather in a particular area,” and Arizona perfectly demonstrates how climate can vary significantly across one state. Last week, we discussed myths and facts about climate change to dispel any misinformation you may have encountered. This article will detail some of the many health impacts that can result from climate change.
First, what do scientists know about climate change?
Climate change is referred to as global warming by some, and it is caused by human activity, namely, the burning of fossil fuels. The result is a disturbance to the natural balance of the environment, including the air, water, plants, animals, and people. Some climate issues directly related to increasing atmospheric temperatures are:
More intense and more frequent extreme weather events,
More extreme temperatures, and
Changes to weather patterns
Each of these factors alone and in combination can severely impact human health. Below are some effects the climate has on human health, and a few proactive measures you can take to protect yourself.
Extreme weather can bring a variety of issues. For example, droughts can increase the amount of dust in the air, which is especially dangerous for people with respiratory illnesses. Additionally, wildfire smoke, while harmful in general, is extremely toxic to individuals who are immunocompromised or elderly. Click here to read more about climate and air pollution and click here to read about climate and wildfires. Protect yourself from poor air quality by wearing a dust mask outdoors and using a HEPA air filter in your home. Click here to learn how to interpret Air Quality Indexes (AQIs) with our recent article.
Tornados, hurricanes, and flooding can threaten lives, and leave destruction and biohazards behind, which leaves those affected to clean up and try to return to their normal lives. Extreme weather can also make it difficult for those who need emergency or routine care to access it promptly. Click here to read about climate impacts on extreme precipitation. Click here for tips on climate preparedness for infants, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Changes to weather patterns intense high and low temperatures. We have observed this across the US over the past few weeks in places that have experienced extreme winter storms. Just last summer, Maricopa County reported a record-breaking number of heat-related deaths, and this summer will surely bring severe heatwaves as well. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat results in exhaustion, heat stroke, kidney and heart disease, and pregnancy complications. Click here to read more about climate impacts on extreme temperatures.
Changing weather patterns can also have detrimental impacts on growing patterns for the crops we rely on to feed our ever-growing nation. Since agriculture relies on seasons, shorter winters and longer summers have great potential to disrupt our food supply chains and make it even more difficult for some to access safe and nutritious food. Click here to read more about climate impacts on food security.
Warming temperatures also expand the natural habitats of harmful insects and ticks that spread diseases called vector-borne diseases. Mosquitos thrive in warm temperatures, and mild, short winters have been associated with West Nile virus (WNV), which is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the US. Click here to learn more about climate impacts on vector-borne diseases. Click here to learn how to protect yourself from mosquitos, and click here to learn more about mosquito-borne illnesses in Arizona.