Write 2-3 page report on any aspect of the connection to global health (title and reference page not included in page count). Be sure to include at least one reference to support your work (beyond the book itself). The reference can be one that was discussed during the course. Submit under the Course Materials tab in Blackboard. The book’s name: Timmerman, K. (2009). . New Jersey: Wiley. ISBN 978-0-470-37654-6 Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it
Title: The Connection between Global Health and Climate Change
Introduction:
Global health is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses the interconnections between human health and various factors, including social, environmental, and economic determinants. One critical aspect of global health is the relationship between global health and climate change. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. These changes have profound implications for human health, both directly and indirectly. This report will discuss the connection between global health and climate change, highlighting the impact of climate change on various health outcomes, and the need for global cooperation to mitigate these effects.
Impact of Climate Change on Health:
Climate change affects human health through various direct and indirect mechanisms. Direct impacts include heat-related illnesses, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts, and the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Indirect impacts include the disruption of ecosystems and agricultural systems, leading to food and water insecurity, displacement of populations, and mental health issues related to climate-related disasters.
Heat-related illnesses are a significant concern in a warming world. As global temperatures rise, the risk of heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses increases, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Furthermore, extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods can cause injuries, displacement, and disruption of healthcare services, increasing the vulnerability of affected populations. For example, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 led to a significant increase in mental health problems among survivors and a lack of access to essential healthcare services.
The spread of vector-borne diseases is also strongly influenced by climate change. As temperature and humidity levels change, the habitats and breeding patterns of disease-carrying mosquitoes, ticks, and other vectors also change. This leads to the expansion of their geographic range, exposing new populations to these diseases. For instance, malaria, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, has already shown an increasing incidence in regions where it was previously eliminated.
Food and water insecurity are other significant consequences of climate change that impact global health. Changes in rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events can disrupt agricultural systems, leading to decreased crop yields and reduced access to nutritious food. This, in turn, contributes to malnutrition and increased susceptibility to various diseases. Moreover, altered precipitation patterns can affect the availability and quality of water, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.
The need for global cooperation:
Addressing the health implications of climate change requires global cooperation and coordinated action. Climate change is a global problem that transcends national boundaries and affects all countries, albeit to varying extents. Consequently, international collaboration is crucial to address this issue effectively.
One of the key global initiatives to combat climate change is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), under which the Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement recognizes the need to protect human health from climate change and emphasizes the importance of adaptation and mitigation measures.
In addition to international agreements, collaboration between public health agencies, environmental organizations, and policymakers is crucial. This includes enhancing surveillance systems to monitor climate-sensitive health indicators, implementing early warning systems for extreme weather events, and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure.
Conclusion:
The connection between global health and climate change is undeniable. Climate change affects human health through a range of mechanisms, including direct impacts like heat-related illnesses and extreme weather events, as well as indirect impacts like food and water insecurity. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach involving global cooperation, international agreements, and collaboration between different stakeholders. By working together, we can mitigate the health risks posed by climate change and strive towards a healthier, more sustainable future.
Reference:
Watts, N., Adger, W. N., Agnolucci, P., Blackstock, J., Byass, P., Cai, W., … & Crane, L. (2015). Health and climate change: policy responses to protect public health. The Lancet, 386(10006), 1861-1914.