What health problems does climate change cause?

The climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, threatening not only environmental balance but also having serious impacts on human health. As global temperatures rise, various natural phenomena such as hurricanes and droughts are becoming increasingly frequent, drawing society’s attention. However, the consequences of climate change are not limited to the environment; they severely affect human health as well.

Respiratory diseases, allergies, and other health problems complicate the lives of many people. The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide not only affects plant growth but also deteriorates air quality. Recent research findings indicate that the effects of climate change are increasingly manifesting in our daily lives, and there is an urgent need to address these issues.

In the following paragraphs, we will examine the health impacts of climate change in detail, with particular attention to respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, and other health problems.

Respiratory Diseases and Allergies

The prevalence of respiratory diseases is increasing worldwide, and in the United States, their numbers have dramatically risen in recent decades. The rise in air pollution and pollen levels, which are consequences of climate change, significantly impacts people’s health. The increase in carbon dioxide levels stimulates the flowering of ragweed and other plants, which enhances pollen production.

This increased pollen count can be particularly dangerous for allergic individuals, as allergic reactions can exacerbate respiratory problems. Furthermore, fungi found in the soil also produce spores in greater quantities due to climate change, which, when airborne, further increase the risk of respiratory diseases. The polluted air in urban areas has particularly adverse effects on lung health, as particles can penetrate deeply into the airways, leading to acute and chronic lung diseases.

As the situation worsens, the consequences of climate change are increasingly evident in our daily lives, and there is an urgent need to reduce air pollution. Collaborative efforts are required to create a healthy environment to protect ourselves from respiratory diseases.

Spread of Infectious Diseases

Climate change affects not only respiratory diseases but also infectious diseases. The number of animal-borne tropical diseases is continuously increasing, as warmer temperatures favor the reproduction of disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes. This phenomenon is particularly concerning because tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever may appear in areas where they were previously absent.

Although current research indicates that the necessary conditions have not yet developed in Hungary, it is conceivable that due to global warming, more of these diseases may occur in tourist areas in the future. Climate change also increases the risk of gastrointestinal diseases due to flooding and drought, which can be a source of additional health problems. According to WHO data, some cases of diarrhea and malaria worldwide are consequences of climate change.

These processes not only facilitate the spread of infectious diseases but also the proliferation of rodents, such as rats and mice, which can also transmit various diseases. Milder winters reduce the number of frost-related deaths, but this benefits the survival of rodents, presenting new challenges for public health.

Additional Health Risks

Additional health risks resulting from climate change include the depletion of the ozone layer, which leads to an increase in skin diseases, such as skin cancer, as well as heightened sensitivity to light. The increase in UV radiation also contributes to the occurrence of various skin diseases, which is a serious cause for concern.

The impact of climate change on agriculture is also significant, as extreme weather events like hurricanes or droughts not only affect crop production but also the security of food supply. The decrease in production and deterioration in quality directly impact people’s nutrition, which can lead to various health problems in the long term.

The health consequences are wide-ranging, and addressing the impacts of climate change is a shared responsibility for everyone. Steps taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions not only protect the environment but also safeguard our health. Collaborative efforts and increased awareness are essential to preserve the health of our planet and our future.