Climate change and the human body

Climate change has been described by the World Health Organisation as “the biggest threat to health in the 21st century”. It is a global health crisis impacting millions of people around the world. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires, floods, tropical storms, heavy rains and hurricanes, are increasing in scale, frequency and intensity. And their impact is threatening the human body by affecting the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the weather we experience.

Some of the effects of climate change on our health and wellbeing include: 

Climate change is linked to an increase in allergens and harmful pollutants in the air, which can lead to more people struggling with conditions such as asthma, allergies, lung disease, COPD, and other respiratory problems.  

Climate change can lead to more diseases being spread to humans by mosquitos, fleas, and ticks, also known as vector-borne diseases. Ticks that transmit diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile virus are likely to increase and spread to new areas.  Mosquitoes, and the diseases they transmit (like malaria, Ross River fever, Japanese Encephalitis, dengue fever, zika), could also become more widespread.

Extreme heat events can trigger heat stress conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and chronic kidney disease. They may also trigger heart attacks for people with heart conditions. If you’re exposed to extreme heat for too long, the stress can cause a cascade of problems throughout the body. It can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and strain on the cardiovascular system that can lead to heart attacks and strokes in vulnerable people. 

Heavy rainfall and flooding will likely increase exposure to water-borne illnesses, including those linked to sewage contamination of drinking water. This can lead to an outbreak of bacterial diseases such as cholera, which can cause severe diarrhoea and lead to dehydration. Recreational waters are likely to experience more outbreaks of aquatic pathogens, including Vibrio bacteria and harmful algal blooms. 

Viruses, bacteria and parasites multiply easier in high temperatures. This has led to a rise in the spread of more foodborne diseases like gastroenteritis.  

There has been a significant rise in climate-related grief, depression, stress, and anxiety in recent years. Living through an event like a wildfire, hurricane, or flooding, can cause psychological distress and trauma. And for many, even just considering the future of the planet can cause feelings of fear, anxiety and depression. There are even new terms to describe some of the mental health effects of climate change, including climate anxiety, ecological grief, and solastalgia. 

While climate change has the potential to make us feel a little helpless, there are steps you can take to ensure you stay healthy and well:

1. Prepare for extreme heat: Stay indoors and plan outdoor activities for cooler times of the day. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, a hat, and cool clothing. 

2. Lower your exposure to air pollution: Regularly ventilate your home.  

3. Practise good hygiene and food safety: Regularly wash your hands to decrease your risk of food poisoning. Wash or peel fruits and vegetables before eating them, and cook meat thoroughly. 

4. Protect yourself from mosquito bites: Wear mosquito repellent and clothing that covers your body. Ensure you're up to date with vaccinations. 

5. Take care of your mental health and wellbeing: Get plenty of exercise, adequate sleep, spend time with loved ones, make time for hobbies, and get into nature.