Climate change is one of the biggest threats to human health

The consequences of a warming planet are proving to be devastating to human health.

The Latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report has revealed that climate change is significantly damaging our health and well-being. This, interestingly, addressed not only physical illnesses but the mental health impacts that climate change is having on people. The report revealed that vulnerable communities who have historically contributed the least to the current climate problem are disproportionately affected.

Here's how and why climate change is such a big risk to human health, and how the IPCC report has proposed we tackle it.

The spread of insect-borne diseases

The change in rainfall and the rising temperatures have increased the spread of certain infectious diseases. Malaria, Lyme disease, and the West Nile Virus are spreading at an increased rate. These diseases will also begin to spread across the world. For example, malaria-carrying mosquitoes can survive in more regions, now.

Poor air quality

Poor air quality is becoming an increasing issue, as a result of climate change. This has significant impacts on human health. Pollutants, for instance, can not only exacerbate existing conditions but cause respiratory problems, too.

Poor air quality is linked to cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Research has also suggested that it can cause developmental problems for babies and can even affect the brain.

Mental Health

The IPCC reported on how climate change is affecting people’s mental health. Extreme weather events, understandably, cause a devastating amount of distress. For example, those in developing countries are finding themselves searching for shelter and healthcare after being displaced through no fault of their own.

The report stated: “In assessed regions, some mental health challenges are associated with increasing temperatures, trauma from extreme events, and loss of livelihoods and culture.”

Heatwaves have also been proven to harm people’s mental health. There is a rise in anxiety and depression and data has even shown a link between suicide attempts and rising temperatures.

The IPCC also noted that there is a connection between exposure to pollutants and psychiatric disorders. For example, in the UK, air pollution has been linked to people living with psychotic and mood disorders.

Water and food shortage 

Furthermore, climate change is negatively impacting the accessibility to quality food and water. This is causing an increase in dehydration and malnutrition. Also, there has been an increase in water-borne diseases as accessibility to clean water is decreasing.

Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making people more vulnerable to diseases. This is a never-ending cycle as climate change is increasing the spread and possibility of ailments and pandemics.

The IPCC did say that, while some future changes are unavoidable, they can be limited by a rapid, deep, and sustained reduction in greenhouse gas. They also stated that; “Human health will benefit from integrated mitigation and adaptation options that mainstream health into food, infrastructure, social protection, and water policies."

The report showed the often overlooked issues that come hand in hand with climate change. However, reversing global warming will help those fighting physical and mental illnesses as a result.