The Health Effects of Climate Change: Why Developing Countries at the Risk?
Healthful Vitality | 07/15/2021 | By NP Contributor | Health Effects of Climate Change
Besides the noticeable impact on people’s livelihoods, climate change is likely to have substantial adverse effects on human health. Developing countries that have not contributed much to climate change are at a higher risk for diseases and death.
Undoubtedly, climate change is one of the biggest challenges we are facing today. Climate change affects almost every country and can disastrously affect individuals and communities. However, developing countries are the most vulnerable to climate change and probably the least able to manage its outcomes. Their vulnerability is due to several factors that can restrict their ability to stop and react to the adverse effects of climate change. As a result, climate change can prohibit significant development gains in these countries.
According to a report from World Health Organization, as of 2030, climate change is likely to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from dire health consequences such as malaria, malnutrition, diarrhea, and heat stress.
Impact of Climate Change on Health and Wellbeing
Climate change is one of the severe threats to health in the 21st century. It affects health and well-being in multiple different ways:
- Directly on health and well-being: by the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions (such as floods, heatwaves, bushfires).
- Indirectly, through changes in the spread of infectious diseases, worsening quality of air, threats to water and food, and impacts on mental health.
Climate Change and Public Health
Extreme variations in air quality from climate change may impact an individual’s mental and physical health. In addition, extensive temperature, weather, and environmental toxins can cause serious public health problems.
Infectious and Waterborne Diseases
According to WHO, climate change is likely to cause an increase in waterborne diseases and insect-transmitted infections. In addition, climate change may increase the duration of the seasons during which insect-transmitted infections and waterborne diseases occur.
However, the potential to manage temperature variations differs from region to region. Wealthier societies can take advantage of technological advances, for example, using more strong air conditioners and building houses to minimize heat retention. On the other hand, developing nations lack the technical know-how, economic support, and public health systems needed to halt such outbreaks.
Health effects of climate change: Heatwaves
Extended periods of rising temperatures can cause serious health problems for vulnerable populations, such as the sick and elderly. This situation was already observed during the 2003 heatwave in Europe, which claimed about 35,000 lives. Prolonged exposure to increased temperatures may cause:
- Hyperthermia and heatstroke
- Heat exhaustion
- Muscle cramps
- Deterioration of existing conditions, such as cardiac or respiratory problems
Climate Change and Malnutrition
Climate change affects food and crop production. As a result, prices of food may rise, which may lead to adopting less healthy diets. Unbalanced diets can cause nutritional deficiencies, hunger, or obesity.
The chances of to increase in pests and weeds will also mean that we need to use larger quantities of pesticides and herbicides. Unfortunately, these toxic substances can be highly harmful to the individuals working with crops and those eating them.
Health effects of climate change: Asthma and Other Respiratory Diseases
Climate change can pose a high risk to respiratory health. People living in areas with higher levels of ozone, dust, and fine particles in the air may have respiratory problems, such as:
- Asthma
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Coughing and irritation of the throat
- Risk of lung cancer
- Lungs inflammation
- Chest congestion
- Chest pain
Health effects of climate change: Developmental and Neurological Problems
Climate change may have adverse effects on developmental and neurological health.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences demonstrated in a report that climate change can play a significant role in developing both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, toxins (herbicides and pesticides) in food and water can also cause health problems in a developing fetus.
Final Words: What Developing Countries Can Do?
Developing countries strongly need to devise strategies and implement policies that shift their economy away from carbon-intensive industries. Moreover, we should coordinate these strategies worldwide to ensure a global shift towards an equitable and environmentally responsible future.
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