Climate change is a pressing concern for governments around the world. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, greenhouse gas emissions need to peak by 2025 if the total rise in heating is to be kept below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
When you think of the negative effects of climate change, a number of images might spring to mind. You might think of icebergs melting, sea levels rising, and ecosystems collapsing.
What’s rarely dwelt upon is the effect that climate change can have on the health of the world’s citizens. And some of these are already being felt by people at the sharp end of this trend.
Who is Responsible?
One of the problems with climate change is that its causes and effects are so difficult to untangle. It’s very difficult to prove with certainty that this or that emission lead to this or that change in temperature.
There’s a growing body of law developing in countries around the world, which seeks to assign responsibility for environmental harms to the organisations and people that perpetrate them. But in order to navigate this new and often complicated legal world, it’s vital that we recruit the right climate-change-centred law firms.
Food and Water
The state of the climate naturally has an impact on the availability of, and demand for, food and water. Unpredictable weather, and changes in patterns of rainfall, can lead to floods and droughts. We should also note that, during extreme heat waves like the one endured by the UK in summer 2022, demand for water shoots up – to a degree that the system can’t always cope with.
In most cases, the effects of these draughts are spread across entire supply chains, and so it becomes difficult for the end consumer to determine that any given weather event is responsible for an increase in prices, or for a shortage.
Disease
Climate change might also accelerate the spread of disease from animals to human beings. We might also see diseases which have historically been confined to warmer climates make their way into more temperate ones. You might think of mosquitos surviving for longer, and transmitting more diseases.
Air Quality
Climate change is heavily associated with airborne allergens. Longer summers mean more pollen, and many of the things that contribute to climate change (like car exhausts) can also contribute to localised air pollution. So, climate change would have a negative effect on our lungs.
Social Impact
All of the consequences of climate change will be felt in society at large. Millions of people become refugees each year as a result of environmental disaster, and this has ripple effects that are felt in the places that they’re displaced towards.
Read Also
- 10 Warning Signs You Need Heart Care and Cardiology Services ASAPHeart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide; but early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. A good way to start caring for your heart is by forming healthy habits and building a lifestyle that supports this goal. Besides learning how to manage your heart health as you age, knowing the warning signs that indicate… Read more: 10 Warning Signs You Need Heart Care and Cardiology Services ASAP
- Gastronomic Medicine: Culinary Concierge Services for Dietary HealthIn healthcare, the paradigm is shifting towards a more personalized approach that acknowledges the crucial role diet plays in overall well-being. Concierge medicine, focusing on tailored care and individualized attention, is emerging as a frontrunner in promoting optimal dietary health. Gone are the days of generic dietary advice; instead, patients receive personalized nutrition plans designed… Read more: Gastronomic Medicine: Culinary Concierge Services for Dietary Health
- Dreaming of Perfect Eyebrows? Master the Art of Brow Shaping Like a ProEyebrows can significantly influence facial symmetry and appearance. Achieving the perfect eyebrow shape enhances natural beauty and frames the face, emphasizing the best features. Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or a professional looking to refine your techniques, understanding the art of brow shaping is essential. This comprehensive guide delves into various aspects of eyebrow shaping,… Read more: Dreaming of Perfect Eyebrows? Master the Art of Brow Shaping Like a Pro
- Teeth Aligners: The Best way to Straighten your TeethTeeth Aligners or clear aligners help you fix your crooked teeth in a simple and modern way. These aligners are becoming more popular among dentists and patients as they are more comfortable and easier to use than other options. Options like metal braces or invisible braces have been in use to treat orthodontic issues for… Read more: Teeth Aligners: The Best way to Straighten your Teeth
- Bill Taverner on the Future of Sex EducationIn many parts of the United States, the future of sex education hangs in the balance as it increasingly becomes a hot-button issue in political and social discourse. With new legislation and school board policies cropping up across the country aiming to curtail or reshape sex education, experts like Bill Taverner, the Executive Director of… Read more: Bill Taverner on the Future of Sex Education