The Biggest Health Threat Facing Humanity: Climate Change

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Anthony Collins, a fifth year Medical Student from UWI Mona in Kingston, Jamaica. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Humanity has faced numerous health threats over its time on Earth, namely The Plague, Spanish Flu, Ebola and Swine Flu, and has survived by adapting and overcoming. Although we’re still facing threats such as HIV and COVID-19, the biggest one of all looms over us…climate change. This is defined by the UN as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels. This generates greenhouse gas emissions that trap the sun’s heat and raise temperatures.This impacts us in numerous ways, not only on an economic level but most importantly healthwise. 

Rising temperatures can lead to heat related death and illnesses. Persons with cardiovascular disorders have extra strain placed on their heart as their body attempts to regulate its core body temp. This can lead to or exacerbate heart failure which significantly increases morbidity and mortality. Additionally, the high temperatures result in increased cases of  bacteria-related food poisoning as bacteria grow more rapidly in warm environments. These diseases can cause gastrointestinal distress and, in severe cases, death. Safeguarding food can prevent these illnesses even as the climate changes.

Pollutants, rising temperatures and changing weather patterns can result in lower air quality. This causes forced migration, civil conflict and food insecurity as crops need the correct balance of gases in air to grow. Additionally, there is an increased incidence and/or exacerbation of respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. This puts a greater strain on the healthcare system to manage the morbidity of these conditions. Using cleaner sources of energy should mitigate this potential disaster as well as wearing masks. 

Extreme weather events and storm surges can damage or exceed the capacity of water infrastructure increasing the risk of exposure to contamination. This leads to the spread of waterborne illnesses and can cause or exacerbate stress and pre-existing mental disorders leading to greater risk of mortality in certain groups. Additionally, the debris from the water damage can result in the delay of essential services and rescue of the injured. Building more resilient infrastructure and a more secure water supply for the event of possible contamination should mitigate this disaster. 

Humanity has caused this threat upon itself as climate change took years of mistreating the Earth via burning fossil fuels to pollute the atmosphere and cutting down the very trees that naturally balance the gases in the atmosphere via soaking up carbon dioxide and methane emissions. All of that has resulted in the negative biopsychosocial effects on our health but all is not lost. Reversing/mitigating all our previous actions shall set everything right and restore not just the Earth but our health. 

References

Climate Effects on Health | CDC

Human Health Impacts of Climate Change (nih.gov)

About the author

Anthony Collins is a fifth year Medical Student from UWI Mona in Kingston, Jamaica who’s very passionate about research, forensics and pathology. He spends his time gaining experience in those areas from clubs and their activities simulating the areas of interest. He volunteers to help those in need and the environment and serves as Executive Assistant Secretary on the UWI Mona Medical Sciences Guild Committee where he gains further personal and professional development as a student leader serving his fellow students.