The increasing amount of carbon in the air, which many researchers and scientists believe is responsible for shifting weather patterns and an increase in temperature in the world atmosphere, is the prime driver of climate change. Although some countries are cutting back on carbon emissions and switching to alternatives such as wind, solar, geothermal and tidal energies, the majority of electricity is still generated by fossil fuel emissions and will be for the foreseeable future. While electric vehicles and mass transportation, along with bicycles, are growing in popularity, it’s still a small sector for overall world transportation needs.
The argument over climate change is often focused on the economics of a country and its political situation. Third-world countries ask why they should bear the burden of cutting back on emissions largely caused by the industrial revolution of Western civilizations. Electricity is an engine of growth, and transportation is a key driver of economic vitality. By switching to more expensive alternatives, some argue that they are contributing to propping up other countries at the expense of their own people.
While these arguments are valid, they miss the pressing need to do something. Climate change is already impacting vast stretches of the world, and the problems will grow only more severe over time. Some say that it may already be too late to reverse global warming, while others insist that drastic measures must be taken right now to have any hope of preventing disaster.
The World Health Organization claims that climate change targets the heart of human needs – safe drinking water, a steady and reliable supply of food, a place for shelter that allows for crop cultivation and other secure work, and, of course, the quality of the air we breathe.
The World Health Organization estimates that between 2030 and 2050 – just 15 years from now – climate change will cause an estimated 250,000 additional deaths per year. This staggering total includes mortality from diseases like malaria, diarrhea and heat stress, as well as starvation or malnutrition wrought by crop failures.
Unfortunately, most climate change actions will target the desperately poor of the world, those people least able to effect change and cope with the unfolding disaster.
These include countries without a strong infrastructure, poor sanitation, bad transportation, no established and strong agricultural base, and poor to non-existent health facilities.
Weather and Health
Heat-related illnesses and death will rise as the world’s temperature warms. It will also impact air quality, leading to more respiratory illnesses and potential fatalities. Heat waves reduce general production and affect crops, which has a further snowball effect on local health. Weather-related damage from a growing number of so-called extreme events, including larger storms, flooding and droughts will exacerbate health problems. Population growth in these areas will strain resources, and migrations similar to the current exodus from Africa, the Middle East and other regions may grow, leading to other public health issues. Even countries with good public health systems may be impacted as the number of hotter days and the growing population impact available resources.
The problems aren’t just confined to third-world countries. In the United States, the rising number of 100-plus-degree days is stressing particularly vulnerable populations, including the poor, the elderly, children in poverty and people with pre-existing medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the chain of events that can occur when traveling and other heat-related issues arise. The number of elderly people in the United States (defined as those older than age 65) is expected to reach more than 20 percent by 2050, creating a larger pool of the infirm.
Other Problems
Heat isn’t the only problem climate change creates. Cold-weather patterns also are affected, leading to larger amounts of snowfall and colder temperatures, making transportation and access to health care difficult.
Extreme weather events have other problems. As seen after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and surrounding areas after the 2005 storm hit, fresh food and water are at a premium because most stores are closed and getting shipments is difficult. Many homes are destroyed, which also means normal medical routines are disrupted, and access to medicine may be limited.
Because storms generally disrupt utilities, communications and the available medical care, even those who shelter in place are generally at risk. Cholera and an increase in intestinal parasites may occur because of flood waters, and those who use portable generators or camping equipment for light and heat put themselves at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
An overlooked but important aspect of deteriorating health conditions is the resulting depression from devastating weather. People may lose loved ones, important community markers are destroyed and life routines are changed, sometimes forever. This leads to mental illness and post-traumatic stress disorder, all of which affect families and the community.
Bad Air Quality
Although air quality has improved in the United States, industrialization growth in other areas of the world has created health problems in China, India and elsewhere.
Warmer days will increase unhealthy air quality, raising ground-level ozone and contributing to smoggier conditions.
Scientists project that warmer temperatures from climate change will increase the frequency of days with unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant, and a component of smog. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and organic compounds can combine to produce terrible air conditions.
Those with lung issues will feel the effects, and even those with healthy lungs may experience long-term damage and increased inflammation. This can lead to more cases of asthma and other respiratory illnesses, particularly among the elderly and children. Outdoor workers may experience a rise in illnesses.
Beyond that, particles emitted from heavy industry and sanitation services can become suspended in the atmosphere, further depressing air quality and public health. Inhaling fine particles can increase cardiovascular and respiratory issues.
There are other issues caused by climate change – increases in insects and vermin, foodborne diseases and the spread of diseases caused by higher population densities are all related to climate change. The question now is whether government and other organizations can marshal the will and resources to do something about it before the problems become insurmountable.