Mohd Younus Bhat
Is climate change real?
Despite scepticism regarding the economic implications of tackling climate change and prevailing confusion, heightened public understanding of the scientific consensus on this issue has been linked to stronger beliefs in the existence, causes, and threats posed by climate change. This, in turn, fosters greater support for governmental measures to address it. Indeed, climate change is a reality, and neglecting to act against it could precipitate substantial economic upheavals, health risks, threats to food security, and infrastructural damage. Thus, mitigating climate change is crucial for the well-being of future generations. The concept of climate change, initially introduced by Svante Arrhenius in 1896, is predominantly attributed to human activities, as affirmed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Global Health Impacts
The global health, agriculture, and community well-being are significantly affected by changing climate. It alters infectious disease patterns, necessitating adaptation measures. Addressing health impacts requires global effort, including environmental monitoring, health surveillance, and robust systems. International cooperation and funding are crucial, especially in vulnerable regions.
Allergens and Allergic Diseases:
The production of allergens, such as pollen, that exacerbate allergic diseases are prompted by the climate change. Higher CO2 levels and temperatures can lead to increased pollen production and potency, prolonging allergy seasons and intensifying symptoms for those with allergic diseases. This calls for heightened awareness and management of allergies in a changing climate.
Waterborne Diseases
As the planet warms, the incidence of waterborne diseases is expected to rise significantly. Warmer temperatures can enhance the growth and proliferation of pathogens in water supplies, while extreme weather events like floods can overwhelm sanitation systems, leading to the spread of diseases. This scenario poses a serious risk to public health, particularly in regions without robust water treatment facilities.
Mental Health
The psychological impact of climate change is profound, encompassing stress and distress triggered by acute climate-related events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. The loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones in these disasters contributes to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, underscoring the need for mental health support in the wake of climate disasters.
Deaths due to heat
The direct and indirect effects of rising temperatures and extreme weather on human health are vast. Heatwaves can cause heat-related illnesses and deaths, while changes in climate patterns can affect the spread of infectious diseases. The health systems worldwide face the challenge of adapting to these changes to protect public health.
Behavioural Impacts:
Climate change also influences human behaviour, affecting how individuals and communities respond to its challenges. The stress of living in increasingly unpredictable environments can affect social dynamics, potentially leading to increased conflict and reduced community cohesion. Understanding these behavioural impacts is essential for developing effective adaptation strategies.
Cardiopulmonary and Gastrointestinal Vulnerability:
The health of the cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal systems is particularly at risk from climate change. Air pollution exacerbated by higher temperatures can lead to respiratory illnesses, while changes in food and water availability can impact gastrointestinal health. Protecting these vital systems requires attention to air quality and food safety in the context of a changing climate.
Vector-Borne Diseases:
The distribution and severity of diseases transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks are expected to change with the climate. Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns can expand the habitats of these vectors, increasing the risk of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease. Public health strategies must evolve to address these shifting patterns.
Cumulative Climate Hazards:
The cumulative effect of greenhouse gas emissions is the intensification of multiple climate hazards, including warming, heat waves, altered precipitation patterns, droughts, floods, and sea-level rise. These interconnected hazards pose a broad threat to humanity, challenging global resilience and adaptation capacities.
Agricultural Productivity:
Global food security is under threat from climate change, which impacts agricultural productivity through changes in rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events. These changes can reduce crop yields and alter agricultural practices, necessitating adaptations in farming techniques and crop varieties to ensure food security.
Psychological narrative
Psychological research illuminates’ pathways for addressing climate change, underscoring the need to transcend traditional boundaries in thought, time, and space to foster public engagement and proactive measures against climate change. This approach is pivotal in mobilizing collective action and nurturing a societal ethos geared towards sustainability and environmental stewardship. Scientific findings guide policy-making, aligning with international frameworks like UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. Climate summits like COP26 have reduced emissions, but implementing these changes requires government leadership, renewable energy investments, and individual actions.
Conclusion
The public should increase awareness, adopt sustainable lifestyles, and advocate for climate policies. The scientific community must continue research, and communicate findings to policymakers, and governments must implement policies to mitigate emissions and invest in climate adaptation. Addressing climate change is not just about avoiding disasters; it involves fostering a sustainable, resilient, and equitable global community. Collaborative efforts between scientific research and policy development are crucial for effective strategies.
(The writer is Research Scholar, Pondicherry University).