A changing climate will have serious health impacts around the world. More frequent extreme weather events, longer droughts, worsening air quality, vector-borne diseases and food security issues are just some of the health risks that people in affected countries already face today.

The Health Impacts of Our Changing Climate

Health Impacts on How Long We Live

Climate change is a global issue that has a significant impact on human life expectancy.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. Including from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea, and heat stress.

In addition, a recent report from the British Medical Journal (BMJ) warns that without immediate action from all countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions, gains in well-being and life expectancy will be compromised.

The effects of climate change on human life expectancy are far-reaching.

For example, rising temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which can lead to death.

In addition, extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, can cause food insecurity, leading to malnutrition and other health issues.

Climate change can also increase the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, which can have a devastating impact on human life expectancy.

Climate Change and The Future of Ageing

At the same time, humans live longer, due in part to advances in medical technology and improved access to healthcare.

According to a Forbes report, life expectancy has increased by more than 20 years since 1950.

This is due to several factors, including improved nutrition, better sanitation, and advances in medical technology.

The combination of climate change and increasing life expectancy has created a paradoxical situation in which humans live longer, yet dying younger.

This is because while life expectancy is increasing, the effects of climate change are leading to premature deaths.

In addition, the effects of climate change can also lead to a decrease in quality of life. This can happen as people are exposed to extreme weather events and vector-borne diseases.

Climate change has a significant impact on human life expectancy.

To address this issue, all countries must take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This can be done through various measures, such as investing in renewable energy sources, reducing deforestation. And improving energy efficiency.

In addition, governments should also focus on providing access to healthcare and improving nutrition to ensure that people can live longer and healthier lives.

The Health Impacts of Lack of Safe Drinking Water

It is estimated that by 2030, one billion people will still lack access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

This is staggering, and it is a reality only exacerbated by climate change.

Climate change is causing more frequent and intense droughts and floods, which can disrupt water supplies and devastate communities.

Rapid urbanisation also strains cities’ capacity to deliver water to the millions of people living in informal communities and slums.

The lack of access to safe water has serious health implications.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 2 billion people live in water-stressed countries. And this number is expected to increase in some regions due to climate change and population growth.

Water utilities spend more than $109 billion each year to provide safe drinking water and wastewater services in the communities they serve.

Yet more than 7 million people still get sick from diseases spread through water each year.

These illnesses cost the U.S. healthcare system more than $3 billion annually. And climate impacts are only worsening the situation.

Universal access to drinking water requires increased investment and strong government institutions.

WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank are all working together to ensure that everyone has access to safe water. But more needs to be done.

We must ensure that everyone has access to safe water. We must invest in infrastructure, and support strong government institutions.

And take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change.

It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to safe water, and we must take action now to make this a reality.

Environmental Degradation Is Increasing

Environmental degradation is a growing global concern. Because it is a major contributor to climate change.

And it has a significant impact on the health and well-being of people and ecosystems around the world.

According to a report from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), land degradation affects 3.2 billion people.

On top of rising demands for agricultural products, leading to further damage.

In addition, a Statista study found that the average PM2.5 levels in the most polluted cities worldwide in 2021 were higher than in 2020, indicating an increase in air pollution.

Deforestation and forest degradation are also major contributors to environmental degradation.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, deforestation and forest degradation are responsible for around 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

This directly impacts climate change, as rising temperatures, changes in weather patterns and water. And many extreme weather events are all linked to deforestation.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) also found that air pollution is a life-and-death issue for too many people.

Air pollution is the largest driver of climate change.

Reducing short-lived pollutants, such as black carbon and methane, could slow down the warming expected by 2050 by about 0.4 to 0.5°C.

In addition, a National Geographic study found that 75% of Earth’s land areas are degraded. With wind erosion causing topsoil loss on over-used or improperly managed farmland, leading to wide-scale land damage around the world.

Environmental degradation is increasing. And having a significant impact on the health and well-being of people and ecosystems around the world.

It is essential that we reduce air pollution, deforestation, and land degradation to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future.

The Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Air pollution is a major global health problem that is getting worse.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), has found that almost all the global population (99%) is exposed to an increased risk of diseases from higher air pollution levels. Including heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, and pneumonia.

The health effects of air pollution can range from eye and respiratory tract irritation to more serious disorders. This includes reduced lung function, exacerbation of asthma and heart failure, and premature death.

Children, pregnant women, and elderly are especially vulnerable to smoke exposure.

A U.S. assessment of health impacts from ozone levels during 2000–2002 estimated health-related costs of the current effects of ozone air pollution exceeding national standards at $6.5 billion (in 2008 U.S. dollars) nationwide.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) states that air pollution can affect lung development.

And is also implicated in the development of emphysema, asthma, and other respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Increases in asthma prevalence and severity are linked to urbanisation and outdoor air pollution.

The WHO data portal provides access to air pollution data from around the world.

This allows researchers and policymakers to better understand the health impacts of air pollution and develop strategies to reduce it.

Air pollution is a major global health problem, and its impacts are getting worse.

To reduce the health impacts of air pollution, communities need to take steps to reduce air pollution.

This could include public transportation, limiting the burning of fossil fuels, and planting trees.

Water Pollution is the Worldwide Threat

Water pollution is a growing threat to ecosystems worldwide. It is estimated that 2.4 billion people live without access to sanitation.

One of the most significant forms of water pollution is lack of sanitation.

In addition, human activities such as urbanisation, industry, agriculture, and climate change contribute to the degradation of water quality and quantity.

The effects of water pollution on ecosystems are far-reaching.

For example, polluted water can contain pathogens from human and animal waste.

And also, organic matter from agricultural run-off, chemical pollution, and salinity from irrigation and domestic wastewater.

This can lead to a decrease in biodiversity, as many species cannot survive in polluted water.

In addition, polluted water can lead to a decrease in clean drinking water, as well as water-borne diseases.

You Can Help Stop the Tragedy of Water Pollution

The World Health Organisation estimates that at least 2 billion people drink water from sources contaminated by faeces.

And this leads to serious health problems, such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid worldwide.

In addition, polluted water can increase the number of algae blooms. Cause oxygen depletion in the water and leads to the death of fish and other aquatic life.

Water pollution is a serious threat to ecosystems worldwide.

To protect our water resources, it is important to reduce pollution from human activities.

This includes reducing the use of fertilisers and pesticides. And improving wastewater treatment systems.

In addition, governments should invest in research and development to find new ways to reduce water pollution.

It is important to reduce water pollution to protect our water resources and the environment.

The Health Impacts of Natural Disasters Disrupt Health Systems

Natural disasters are becoming increasingly disruptive to health systems around the world.

According to Our World in Data, natural disasters have accounted for an average of 0.1% of total deaths globally over the past decade, ranging from 0.01% to 0.4%.

This number is expected to increase as climate change continues to cause more extreme weather events.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states that natural disasters can cause periods of insecurity, disruption, and economic loss.

Furthermore, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 400 natural disasters occur worldwide every year, in addition to 30-40 armed conflicts.

These disasters can have a significant impact on the health of millions of people, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.

A study published in PubMed found that natural disasters can have impacts on the population’s health, and damage healthcare establishments.

And, in extreme situations, the health systems break down. The study also noted that national and global trends show an increase in the frequency of disasters associated with climate change.

According to Statista, the most significant natural disasters worldwide by death toll up to 2022 include the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, the Haiti Earthquake in 2010, and Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

These disasters have caused immense destruction and health systems, leading to significant loss of life.

It’s clear, natural disasters increasingly disrupt health systems around the world.

As climate change continues to cause more extreme weather events, governments and health systems need to be prepared for the potential impacts of natural disasters.