Climate Change – The Biggest Health Threat Facing Humanity

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Bibek Shrestha , a 3rd year batch of MBBS student at Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Nepal. 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.

Introduction

The challenges for which we’ve had to show our resolve and resilience in our history. But one obstacle stands out more than all the others, posing a threat to not just our way of life but also to our very survival on this planet: climate change. 

Understanding Climate Change

Climate refers to the long term changes in Earth’s temperature, precipitation patterns/meteorological events. While the Earth’s atmosphere and weather have been altered by various natural factors over the millennia, human actions are probably chiefly responsible for the recent radical shifts. The burning of fossil fuels, clearing of land forests, industry developments and farming practice had caused an over emission of Green House Gases such as Carbon Dioxide(CO₂) and Methane (CH₄) in atmosphere.

Consequences of Climate Change

As the earth continues to warm, extreme weather events (hurricanes, droughts, heatwaves) are occurring more often and at an increased severity due to climate change. These situations cause massive devastation, displacements of communities and financial losses.

Rising Sea Levels: The melting Polar Ice Caps and Glaciers combined with the expanding water itself as it becomes warm causes Sea Levels To Rise which has led to Millions of people will be forced out of their homes due to flooding.

Economic Costs: The Economic Impacts Of Climate Change Are Enormous. Whether it’s from the expenses tied up in recovery after climate-driven disaster (whether natural or manmade) or the productivity lost from agriculture or the physical harm caused to property, the cost of climate change is significant.

Tackling climate change globally

With an understanding of how pressing this environmental emergency is, nations globally coalesced and are working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions with help from the Paris Agreement among other actions. The goal of the Paris Agreement is to hold the increase in global average temperature well below 2° Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and preferably to 1.5° Celsius. These goals require deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the transition to renewable energy sources, and sustainable business practices throughout sectors.

Conclusion

It is going on not in the future, but right here — climate change. The scientific consensus is clear: It’s the gravest danger to mankind! Facing the issue of climate change requires global involvement and dedication, innovation, as well as collaboration in eliminating GHG emissions. Failing to act has serious consequences: everything from devastating extreme weather events and mass displacement; to the failure of states/nations which may bankrupt them and lead to destabilization on regional and global scales.

Now is the time to act. We can all contribute to building the kind of greener society we need by making measurable progress in reducing our own carbon footprint — that is, how much energy, resources, and waste we personally produce. We also need to back policies that advance environmental sustainability — that is, how much Climate change is our greatest challenge, it’s a chance to pull together in this worldwide effort of preserving the world for generations to come!

About the author

Bibek Shrestha is the one from the 3rd year batch of MBBS students at Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Nepal, affiliated with Nepal Medical Students Association (NOMAS ). Active learner himself, he joined several training & workshops and attended the program of various INGOs / NGOs he joined them as Volunteering / Coordinator. He is very into assisting people and has dedicated his life to be a support for others.