HUMAN ECOLOGY _CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEALTH LECTURES 200l MBBS_Presented.pdf

Human Ecology: Climate Change & Health BY DR. P. K. OMODE CONSULTANT COMMUNITY & PUBLIC HEALTH PHYSICIAN, AND DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES, ONDO STATE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY COM...

Human Ecology: Climate Change & Health BY DR. P. K. OMODE CONSULTANT COMMUNITY & PUBLIC HEALTH PHYSICIAN, AND DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES, ONDO STATE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY COM 221 MBBS_BDS Students 200L OUTLINE Introduction Human Ecology Definition of Climate Change and the global burden caused Definition of Health Effects of Climate change on Health Climate Change and Health Pathway Climate change Vulnerability Determinants of Vulnerability Prevention/mitigation of Climate change effects on Health  At the end of this lecture, students should be able to: Define climate change Explain the effects of Climate change on Health Describe the Climate change and Health LEARNING pathways OBJECTIVES State the determinants of vulnerability Mention/describe the various ways/strategies for prevention of climate change effects on Health INTRODUCTION Human ecology is an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary study of the relationship between humans and their natural, social, and built environments. Introduction Contd… Climate change Refers to long-term shifts in average weather patterns across the world. Since the mid- 19th century, human activities have contributed to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air. This leads to global temperature increases, resulting in persistent changes to the climate. Climate change is distinct from natural weather variability, as it represents a significant variation over several decades or more. Health Refers to a state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity It is a balance that allows us to function optimally. Introduction Contd… Climate change is directly contributing to increasing humanitarian emergencies from heatwaves, wildfires, floods, tropical storms and hurricanes 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year, from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone. The direct damage costs to health (excluding costs in health- determining sectors such as agriculture and water and sanitation) is estimated to be between US$ 2–4 billion per year by 2030. Introduction Contd… Areas with weak health infrastructure (mostly in developing countries) will have difficulty in coping without assistance to prepare and respond WHO data indicates 2 billion people lack safe drinking water and 600 million suffer from foodborne illnesses annually, with children under 5 bearing 30% of foodborne fatalities. In 2020, 770 million faced hunger, predominantly in Africa and Asia. Climate change affects food availability, quality and diversity, exacerbating food and nutrition crises. Effects of Climate Change on Health Climate change significantly impacts human health either directly or indirectly Direct Impacts: Heat Waves: Increasing temperatures lead to more frequent and intense heat waves, affecting vulnerable populations. Droughts: Water scarcity affects hydration, sanitation, and agriculture. Heavy Storms: Extreme weather events cause injuries, displacement, and damage to infrastructure. Sea-Level Rise: Coastal communities face risks from flooding and saltwater intrusion Effects of Climate Change on Health Contd… Indirect Impacts: Vector-Borne Diseases: Altered climate patterns affect disease-carrying insects (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks). Without preventive actions, deaths from vector-borne diseases which is currently over 700 000 annually, may rise. Airway Diseases: Poor air quality worsens respiratory conditions. Food and Water Insecurity: Climate-related disruptions impact food supply and water quality. Undernutrition: Agricultural changes affect food availability. Forced Displacements: Climate-induced disasters lead to population movements Induces both immediate mental health issues, like anxiety and post-traumatic stress, and long-term disorders Effects of Climate Change on Health Contd… The effects of climate change on human health are increasingly well studied and quantified. Rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns are increasing the frequency and severity of heat waves, wildfires, droughts, floods, landslides, hurricanes, and other causes of injury and illness. Heat waves and extreme weather events have a big impact on health both directly and indirectly. Direct effects of exposure to high and extended temperatures include illness, reduced labour capacity for outdoor workers, and heat-related mortality. Effects of Climate Change on Health Contd… Climate change and extreme weather events cause changes in the biosphere. Climate-sensitive pathogens and vector-borne diseases may increase in some regions. Changes in temperature are creating conditions favorable to mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, and waterborne diseases including diarrhoeal disease. Many infectious diseases will spread to new geographic areas where people have not previously been exposed or developed immunity. Effects of Climate Change on Health Contd… Changes in climate can cause decreasing yields for some crops and regions, resulting in higher food costs, food insecurity, and undernutrition. Water insecurity is also an additional concern. Increases in poverty, displacement, migration, violent conflict, and negative effects on mental health are all occurring. Climate change affects human health at all ages, from infancy through adolescence, adulthood and old age. Factors such as age, gender and socioeconomic status, influence to what extent these effects become wide-spread risks to human health. Effects of Climate Change on Health Contd… Extreme weather creates physical and economic risks for whole families, particularly those families headed by women. Temperature and heatwaves affect the earning capacity and economic stability of individuals and households. Populations over 65 years of age are particularly vulnerable to heat and other health effects of climate change. Effects of Climate Change on Health Contd… Climate change can affect human health by changing the severity, duration, or frequency of health problems and by creating unprecedented or unanticipated health problems or health threats in places or populations where they have not previously occurred While everyone is exposed to climate-related health threats, not everyone experiences the same harms. Effects of Climate Change on Health Contd… Individuals may experience greater risk from climate-related health effects because: They have greater exposure to climate-related hazards; They are more sensitive to the effects of climate stressors; Their own present state of health and wellbeing; They do not have sufficient capacity or resources to cope or remove themselves from harm An effective public health response to mitigate the risks of climate change is essential to preventing injuries and illnesses and enhancing overall public health preparedness.  While no one is immune to the effects of Who is most climate change, some people are more at at risk of risk of experiencing health issues as a result. Children health effects Older people due to Pregnant women and their unborn babies People with disabilities or chronic health climate conditions Socioeconomically disadvantaged communities change? Indigenous communities Climate Change and Health Pathways The effects of climate change on human health can be grouped into direct and indirect effects. The combination of effects and social dynamics determines the eventual health outcomes. Mechanisms and social dynamics are explained further below: Direct mechanisms or risks: changes in extreme weather and resultant increased storms, floods, droughts, heat waves and wildfires Climate Change and Health Pathways Indirect mechanisms or risks: these are mediated through changes in the biosphere (e.g., the burden of disease and redistribution of disease vectors, or food availability, water quality, air pollution, land use change, ecological change) Social dynamics (age and gender, health status, socioeconomic status, social capital, public health infrastructure, mobility and conflict status) These health risks vary across the world and between different groups of people. Climate Change and Health Pathways For example, differences in health service provision or economic development will result in different health risks for people in different regions, with less developed countries facing greater health risks. In many places, the combination of lower socioeconomic status and cultural gender roles result in increased health risks to women and girls as a result of climate change, compared to those faced by men and boys (although the converse may apply in other instances) Climate Change and Health Pathways Impact on general health and wellbeing The direct, indirect and social dynamic effects of climate change on health and wellbeing produce the following health effects: Cardiovascular diseases, Respiratory diseases, Infectious diseases, Undernutrition, Mental illness, Allergies, Injuries and poisoning Health and health care provision can also be impacted by the collapse of health systems and damage to infrastructure due to climate-induced events such as flooding. Therefore, building health systems that are climate resilient is a priority Climate Change and Health Pathway US EPA Vulnerability to Climate Change Climate change vulnerability is a concept that describes how strongly people or ecosystems are likely to be affected by climate change. It is the "propensity or predisposition to be adversely affected" by climate change. Vulnerability is a component of climate risk. It differs within communities and also across societies, regions, and countries. Vulnerability measures a country's exposure, sensitivity and ability to adapt to the negative impact of climate change Vulnerability to Climate Change Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI): is a tool that identifies places that are susceptible to floods and heat-related effects of climate change by combining built, social, and ecological elements. It is also a systematic tool to rapidly assess climate change risk Vulnerability can be grouped into two overlapping categories. Economic vulnerability - which is based on socioeconomic factors. Some people tend to be more vulnerable than others, based on socioeconomic factors. This applies to people with low incomes, indigenous peoples, women, children, the elderly, etc Geographic vulnerability: Climate vulnerability is generally a bigger problem for people in low-income countries than for those in high-income countries Determinants of Vulnerability US EPA  To avert catastrophic health impacts and prevent millions of climate change-related Prevention of deaths, the world must limit temperature rise to 1.5°C. Climate Past emissions have already made a certain Change level of global temperature rise and other changes to the climate inevitable. effects on Global heating of even 1.5°C is not Health considered safe, however; every additional tenth of a degree of warming will take a serious toll on people’s lives and health.  WHO’s response to these challenges centres around 3 main objectives: Prevention of 1. Promote actions that both reduce carbon Climate emissions and improve health: Supporting a rapid and equitable transition to a Change clean energy economy; effects on Ensuring that health is central to climate change mitigation policy; Health Accelerating mitigation actions that bring the Contd.. greatest health gains; and Mobilizing the strength of the health community to drive policy change and build public support.  2. Build better, more climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems: Ensuring core services, environmental Prevention of sustainability and climate resilience as central components of UHC and primary health care Climate (PHC); Change Supporting health systems to leapfrog to cheaper, more reliable and cleaner solutions, effects on while decarbonizing high-emitting health systems; and Health Mainstreaming climate resilience and environmental sustainability into health service Contd… investments, including the capacity of the health workforce.  3. Protect health from the wide range of impacts of climate change: Assessing health vulnerabilities and developing Prevention of health plans; Climate Integrating climate risk and implementing climate-informed surveillance and response Change systems for key risks, such as extreme heat and infectious disease; effects on Supporting resilience and adaptation in health- Health determining sectors such as water and food; and Contd… Closing the financing gap for health adaptation and resilience. Prevention of Climate Change effects on Health Contd… Other Strategies include: Leadership and Raising Awareness Evidence and Monitoring: Deploying effective policies and enhancing access to knowledge and data. Capacity Building and Country Support by WHO How can I protect my health from climate change? Get prepared for extreme heat and temperature conditions — Be aware of the changing weather conditions in your area and take precautions during high temperatures. During extreme heat, stay indoors and plan your outdoor activities for cooler periods of the day. When outside, stay well hydrated. Wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), a hat and loose, lightweight clothing. How can I protect my health from climate change? Contd… Aim to lower your exposure to air pollution — Be aware of the air pollution levels in your area by regularly checking the air quality index (AQI). The most common sources of outdoor air pollution are emissions caused by motor vehicles, solid fuel burning and industry, for this reason, people living in major cities or industrial areas should avoid spending too much time outside if the AQI is high. If you live in a town or city, avoid exercising near busy roads, limit the amount of time that you do and aim to do less intense activity such as walking instead of running. Aim to regularly ventilate your home to remove indoor pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and moisture. How can I protect my health from climate change? Contd… Practise good hygiene and food safety measures — Foodborne illness, often referred to as food poisoning, is generally caused by having food or drinks that bacteria, parasites or viruses have contaminated. It’s important to practise good hygiene by regularly washing your hands to decrease your risk of food poisoning. You should also take food safety precautions such as washing or peeling fruits and vegetables before eating them, cooking meat thoroughly and keeping your kitchen and food preparation spaces clean and hygienic. How can I protect my health from climate change? Contd… Protect yourself from mosquito bites — Mosquitoes become most active at dawn and dusk, and into the evening. Take care during these times to reduce the risk of being bitten. Wear a mosquito repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide), PMD (picaridin or p-menthane-3,8-diol), also known as oil of lemon eucalyptus and protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. Place mosquito-proof mesh on doors, windows, vents and chimneys to help stop mosquitos from entering your home. Ensure you're up to date with vaccinations that help to reduce the risk of disease transmission from mosquitos. How can I protect my health from climate change? Contd… Take care of your mental health and wellbeing — There are a number of ways in which you can take care of your mental health. Stay physically healthy, Get adequate sleep, Spend time with people who care about you, Make time for enjoyable activities and get into nature. If you feel that your mental health is impacted, you should seek help from a professional. Thank you