Wollo University Climate Change & Health Effects PDF

# Wollo University ## College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo Tertiary Care and Teaching Hospital Tertiary care Campus ### Department of Environmental Health **Module:** Ecology and pollution management **Course Code:** EnvH3143 **Course Title:** Climate Change and Health **ECTS/CHrs:**...

# Wollo University ## College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo Tertiary Care and Teaching Hospital Tertiary care Campus ### Department of Environmental Health **Module:** Ecology and pollution management **Course Code:** EnvH3143 **Course Title:** Climate Change and Health **ECTS/CHrs:** 2/1 **Year:** III **Semester:** II **Prepared by:** Alelgne Feleke (MSc in WaSH) # Chapter two ## Effects of Climate Change on Public Health **By the end of the course, students will be able to:** - Identify and explain the effects of climate change on human health - Evaluate the relationship between climate change-related weather events and their impact on public health - Describe the fundamentals of epidemiology relation to climate change and disease propagation - Identify vulnerability of different populations to climate change-related health impacts > The world's climate is changing. - This change creates new health risks - Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. - Climate change has far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, economies, and human health. ## Climate Change and Global Health - Climate change poses significant challenges to global health, affecting both developed and developing countries. - The impacts of climate change on health are diverse and include direct and indirect effects on physical and mental well-being. - Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk. ## Effects of Climate Change on Public Health - Climate change has wide-ranging effects on public health, impacting various aspects of human well-being. - The impacts of climate change include rising global temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, sea-level rise, and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. - These changes have implications for ecosystems, food production, water resources, and human health. ## Effect of climate change on human health classified into two ### 1. Direct Effects - It refers to the immediate and observable impacts that occur as a result of changes in climatic conditions. - It is directly linked to changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. - Direct effects can have direct consequences on various systems, including ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health. - Climate change directly impacts human health through various mechanisms. #### 1.1. Heat-related Illnesses - Rising temperatures due to climate change increase the risk of heat-related illnesses (heatstroke, heat exhaustion & dehydration). - Example: During a heat wave, individuals exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods may experience symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and heat exhaustion, which can escalate to heatstroke if not managed properly. #### 1.2.Extreme Weather Events: - Climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, wildfires. - These events can cause injuries, fatalities, and displacement, leading to immediate health risks. #### 1.3. Vector-borne Diseases - Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns influence the distribution and behavior of disease-carrying vectors. - Climate change affects the distribution and prevalence of vector-borne diseases, which are transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. - Example: As temperatures increase, the range of mosquitoes that carry diseases like dengue fever and malaria expands, leading to a higher risk of transmission in previously unaffected regions. #### 1.4. Air Pollution-Related Illnesses: - Climate change can worsen air quality through increased levels of pollutants, including particulate matter and ground-level ozone. - Exposure to poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other related conditions. #### 1.5 Allergies and Respiratory Disorders: - Climate change increased allergies and respiratory disorders like asthma and hay fever by the following reason. ##### A. Lengthening of Pollen Seasons: - Warmer temperatures can cause plants to release pollen earlier in the year, extending the overall length of the pollen season. - This prolonged exposure to allergens increases the chances of triggering allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. ##### B. Expansion of Allergenic Plants: - Climate change can also affect the distribution and growth of plants that produce allergenic pollen. - Warmer temperatures can promote extended growing seasons and earlier flowering of grasses. - Some plants thrive in warmer and elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) conditions, leading to their increased growth and spread. - This expansion of allergenic plants can expose larger populations to higher concentrations of allergens. ##### C. Increased Pollen Production: - Elevated levels of CO2 can stimulate plant growth and increase pollen production. - Experimental research has shown that doubling CO2 levels (300 to 600ppm) induces a four-fold increase in the production of ragweed pollen. - One plant can produce 1 billion pollen grains. ### 2. Indirect Effects - Indirect effects are the secondary impacts that occur as a result of the direct effects. - Are often broader and more complex and occur through a chain of events triggered/activated/ by changes in climate. - Climate change has indirect effects on health through its impacts on ecosystems, social systems, and human behavior. #### 2.1 Waterborne Diseases (Classification: Environmental Impact) - Changes in precipitation patterns and water availability due to climate change can impact water quality and increase the risk of waterborne diseases. - Example: Heavy rainfall and flooding can contaminate water sources, leading to the spread of diseases like cholera and diarrheal illnesses. #### 2.2.Food Insecurity and Malnutrition (Classification: Social and Economic Impact) - Climate change affects agricultural patterns, leading to crop failures, reduced food production, and increased food insecurity. - Example: Droughts and extreme weather events can reduce crop yields, disrupt food supply chains, and result in malnutrition and inadequate access to nutritious food, particularly in vulnerable communities. #### 2.3. Mental Health Issues (Classification: Social and Psychological Impact) - Climate change-related events, such as natural disasters and displacement, can have significant psychological impacts on individuals and communities. - Example: The loss of homes, livelihoods, and the trauma experienced during extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health challenges. #### 2.4 Economic Disruptions (Classification: Economic Impact) - Climate change-related events can cause significant disruptions to economies, particularly in vulnerable regions heavily dependent on climate-sensitive industries like agriculture and tourism. - Example: Coastal communities reliant on tourism may face economic losses due to the impacts of sea-level rise, erosion, and the destruction of natural attractions. ## Climate Change-Related Weather Events Affect Health - Climate change-related weather events have a significant impact on public health. - 1. immediate consequences and - 2. long-term health effects. ## Immediate Consequences: ### 1.Heat waves - A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, typically with high temperatures that are significantly above average for a particular region or time of year. - Individuals are susceptible to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. - Exhaustion, also known as heat exhaustion, is a heat-related illness that occurs when the body becomes overheated due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid replacement. - It is often a precursor heatstroke. - Common symptoms heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and fainting. - If not promptly addressed, can progress to heatstroke. - Heatstroke is a severe & potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's To regulation system fails, causing the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels. - Can result from prolonged exposure to high To, especially when combined with high humidity and physical exertion. - It is considered a medical emergency. - Symptoms: a high body temperature (39.4°C), altered mental state, confusion, rapid heartbeat, flushed skin, difficulty breathing, and even loss of consciousness. - requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to organ damage and be fatal if not treated promptly. - High temperatures can strain the cardiovascular system, leading to increased hospitalizations and even fatalities. - Vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions may experience heat-related illnesses, requiring medical intervention and potentially resulting in loss of life. - Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more fluids than it takes in. - It can occur due to various factors, including excessive sweating, insufficient fluid intake, and prolonged exposure to heat. - When the body lacks adequate fluids, it can disrupt normal bodily functions. - Symptoms of dehydration may include increased thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, dark-colored urine, dry skin, and in severe cases, confusion and rapid heartbeat. ### 2.Hurricanes and Floods - A hurricane is a large and powerful tropical cyclone characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a well-defined circulation pattern. - Can cause physical injuries, drowning/sinking, and displacement. - Contaminated floodwaters may lead to waterborne diseases. - Example: In the aftermath of a hurricane or severe flood, individuals may suffer injuries, respiratory infections from exposure to mold, and increased transmission of waterborne diseases due to compromised sanitation and water systems. ## Long-Term Health Effects: ### 1. Respiratory Conditions: - Climate change-related events can worsen air quality, leading to increased respiratory conditions (as asthma and allergies). - Exposure to pollutants, including particulate matter and allergens, can contribute to the development of chronic respiratory diseases. - Example: Persistent exposure to air pollution resulting from wildfires can lead to long-term respiratory issues and respiratory-related hospitalizations. ### 2.Mental Health Issues - Climate change-related events (extreme weather events & displacement, can have long-lasting psychological impacts). - Individuals experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders due to the loss of homes, livelihoods, and social support systems. - Example: Communities affected by repeated flooding or hurricanes may experience a decline in mental well-being, including increased rates of anxiety and depression, as they face ongoing stressors related to their environment and the challenges of recovery. ### 3.Infectious Diseases: - Climate change can influence the distribution and prevalence of infectious diseases. - Changes in temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns affect the habitat and behavior of disease vectors (mosquitoes and ticks) leading to the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue fever. - Example: As climate change expands the geographic range of disease-carrying vectors, regions that were previously unaffected by diseases like dengue fever may experience outbreaks, resulting in long-term health consequences for affected populations. ## Epidemiology Fundamentals - Epidemiology is the study of patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in populations. - It plays a crucial role in understanding the relationship b/n climate change and public health. - In the context of climate change, epidemiology helps understand the relationship b/n climate, weather, and disease propagation/spreading/. - Epidemiological studies use surveillance (monitoring or observation of individuals, groups, or environments for gathering information) risk factor assessment, and vulnerability analysis to investigate the health impacts of climate change. - **Some fundamental concepts of epidemiology related to climate change:** - **1.Climate Change as an Exposure:** - Epidemiology examines climate change as an environmental exposure that can impact population health. - It investigates how changes in temperature, precipitation, extreme weather events, and other climate variables affect human health outcomes. - For example, an increase in average To due to climate change can lead to more frequent and severe heat waves. - Prolonged exposure to high To can result in heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. - **2.Health Outcomes:** - Epidemiology assesses various health outcomes associated with climate change. - Include heat-related illnesses, respiratory conditions, vector-borne diseases, waterborne diseases, mental health issues. - Epidemiological studies investigate the incidence, prevalence, and distribution of health outcomes in relation to climate change. - **3.Exposure-Response Relationships:** - Epidemiology seeks to establish exposure-response relationships between climate change and health outcomes. - It examines how variations in climate variables (temperature or rainfall) influence the risk and severity of specific health conditions. - This helps to identify vulnerable populations and develop targeted interventions. - **4. Vulnerability and Susceptibility:** - Epidemiology examines the vulnerability and susceptibility of populations to climate change-related health impacts. - It investigates factors such as age, pre-existing health conditions, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. - By identifying vulnerable groups, epidemiologists can inform public health interventions and policies. - **5.Surveillance and Monitoring:** - Epidemiology plays a critical role in monitoring and surveillance of climate change-related health impacts. - It establishes surveillance systems to track the occurrence and distribution of health outcomes linked to climate change. - This data helps identify trends, detect outbreaks, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. - **6.Risk Assessment:** - Epidemiology conducts risk assessments to quantify the potential health risks associated with climate change. - It integrates data on exposure, vulnerability, and health outcomes to estimate the likelihood and magnitude of adverse health effects. - Risk assessments contribute to evidence-based decision-making and prioritization of resources. - **7. Intervention and Prevention:** - Epidemiology informs the development and evaluation of interventions and prevention strategies to mitigate the health impacts of climate change. - It assesses the effectiveness of interventions, such as heat wave response plans, early warning systems, vaccination campaigns, and adaptation measures. - Epidemiological research helps identify the most effective strategies for reducing climate-related health risks. - If a community is at high risk of heat-related illnesses due to climate change, epidemiological studies can inform the development of heat wave response plans that include strategies (cooling centers, public awareness campaigns, and guidelines for healthcare providers). ## How Climate and Weather Affect Disease Propagation - Climate and weather play significant roles in disease propagation, influencing various factors such as the survival and transmission of pathogens, the behavior of disease vectors, and the vulnerability of human populations. - Vector-borne diseases are affected by changes in temperature, precipitation, and humidity, altering the habitat and behavior of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. - Waterborne diseases are influenced by changes in water availability, quality, and temperature, affecting the survival and transmission of pathogens. - Airborne diseases can be impacted by climate factors like wind patterns, temperature, and humidity, affecting the dispersion and viability of infectious agents. - **How climate and weather affect disease propagation, along with specific characteristics and evidence:** - **1.Temperature has a direct impact on the growth and survival of pathogens.** - Pathogens can be sensitive to temperature changes. - For example, certain viruses and bacteria may survive longer in colder temperatures, leading to increased disease transmission during winter months. - In contrast, extreme heat can inhibit the survival of some pathogens. - Warmer temperatures can accelerate the replication rates of certain pathogens, resulting in faster disease progression. E.g dengue fever. - Studies suggest that climate change could expose an additional 2 billion people to dengue transmission by the 2080s. - Respiratory viruses, including influenza, often exhibit seasonal patterns. - Cold weather and low humidity create conditions that favor the survival and transmission of these viruses. - **2. Precipitation and Humidity levels affect disease transmission through various mechanisms.** - Waterborne Diseases: Heavy rainfall and flooding can contaminate water sources with pathogens, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever. - These diseases thrive in areas with inadequate sanitation or where clean water sources become compromised. - Vector-borne diseases: standing water from rainfall provides breeding sites for mosquitoes, increasing their population density and the risk of disease transmission. ## Vulnerability and Strategies for Resilience - Certain populations, such as children, the elderly, and socio-economically disadvantaged communities, are more vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. - Climate change affects social and environmental determinants of health: - ✓ clean air, - ✓ safe drinking water, - ✓ sufficient food and - ✓ secure shelter.