How does climate change affect human health?

Climate change significantly affects human health by exacerbating existing health issues and creating new challenges. Increased air pollution arises from more frequent wildfires, higher temperatures leading to greater production of ground-level ozone, and emissions from other climate-related activities. These factors contribute to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and overall deterioration of air quality.

Heatwaves pose direct health risks, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions. This increased temperature also affects mental health and has been linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression.

Furthermore, climate change can disrupt ecosystems, leading to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. As temperatures rise, the habitats for disease-carrying organisms expand to new regions, raising the risk of outbreaks.

This understanding underscores the critical link between climate change and public health, highlighting the various ways that changes in environmental conditions can lead to detrimental health outcomes for populations worldwide.