We can no longer ignore the effects of climate change. From shrinking glaciers to frequent heatwaves, the future none of us wanted to imagine is already the present. We’ve already seen natural disasters hit the far corners of the earth and, according to the experts, this is just the beginning.
Understanding the health implications of this colossal shift is a must. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of some of the most common ways that extreme weather could impact our health.
Heat exhaustion
Climate change is likely to lead to warmer average temperatures and frequent heatwaves. Exposure to extreme heat can lead to severe symptoms and heat exhaustion, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The symptoms of this can include faintness, dry and warm skin, and a failure to naturally control your body temperature. For that reason, heatwaves are some of the most dangerous natural hazards.
Severe dehydration
Heat exhaustion or heat strokes are not the only consequence of high temperatures. The World Health Organization also points out that this weather change can lead to severe dehydration. Symptoms include thirst, tiredness, dizziness, urinating less frequently, and a dry mouth and lips. Dehydration tends to be more common in people with diabetes and those taking specific medication.
Blood clots (thrombogenesis)
Extreme heat can increase your chances of suffering blood clots, medically known as thrombogenesis. Blood clots can form anywhere in your body and may lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism (PE), both of which can be extremely dangerous and even fatal. Other risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, taking certain contraceptive pills, and having high blood pressure.
Strokes
Every year, around 15 million people suffer a stroke. The condition carries a high risk of death while those who survive can face a plethora of long-term repercussions. These include confusion, paralysis, a loss of vision, and a loss of speech. Being exposed to extreme heat—such as that in a heatwave—can contribute toward people having strokes.
Respiratory problems
Serious breathing problems can include a variety of disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and—in extreme cases—lung cancer. One report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that higher temperatures can contribute toward breathing problems or simply make existing issues worse than they would otherwise be.
Worse plant-based allergies
If you tend to get hay fever, the warmer weather caused by climate change could exacerbate the problem. Research suggests that climate change is increasing the pollen count and negatively impacting the health of people who have allergies. What’s more, individuals who have never experienced hay fever before now may find that they suffer mild symptoms as the pollen in the air increases dramatically.
Ozone-related asthma
One of the most common lung-related problems, asthma can cause difficulty breathing. The condition tends to start in childhood, although adults can develop it in later life as well. Research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that the effects of ground-level ozone could increase cases of asthma.
Heart problems
Climate change has led to an increase in wildfires, particularly in North America. So, what impact do these natural disasters have on our health? Research published in Springer Nature suggests that the smoke from wildfires could be a risk factor when it comes to your cardiovascular health. That may mean that these fires contribute to people suffering from heart problems in the long term.
Eco-anxiety
Worried about climate change? According to the American Psychological Association, eco-anxiety is a common threat to our mental well-being. People experiencing this may worry about the impact of extreme weather, food shortages, and pollution. While these are normal concerns to have, if your day-to-day life is being impacted by these thoughts, it’s worth seeking out professional help and support.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Similarly, the American Psychological Association reports that worries about climate change can increase cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This mental health problem can lead to insomnia and trouble concentrating on daily tasks. While—as the name suggests—most people experience the condition after a traumatic event, living under the threat of climate change could elicit the same response.
Lyme disease
Climate change could increase the amount of vectors (such as ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas) that carry airborne diseases. One of the conditions that spreads through vectors is Lyme disease. This illness causes a circular rash for most people as well as a high temperature, headaches, tiredness and muscular pain.
Dengue fever
Also known as the dengue virus, dengue fever is a tropical disease that spreads through mosquito bites. The disease tends to be widespread in many parts of the world, including Asia, the Americas and the Caribbean. With vectors, such as mosquitoes, increasing due to climate change, there’s a chance this illness will become more common. The symptoms of the illness include headaches, high fevers, a red rash, and stomach pain.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF)
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) can be a life-threatening illness if left untreated. The bacterial disease is spread through infected ticks and commonly includes a fever, headache, and rash among other symptoms. While it is unclear whether climate change will increase the number of ticks, there’s a chance that it could and may lead to more cases of this disease.
West Nile virus
Spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes, West Nile virus is common across the United States. Most people (around 80%) who contract this illness do not have any symptoms at all. However, in rare cases, this illness can be serious and even fatal. Moreover, there is currently no vaccine for the disease. As is the case with other vector-borne illnesses, there’s a chance that instances could increase as the planet becomes warmer.
Salmonellosis
Higher global temperatures could lead to a higher risk of salmonellosis, according to research published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine. People who get ill from this bacterial infection tend to experience a range of unpleasant symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Fortunately, most people recover from this illness after taking a course of doctor-prescribed antibiotics.
Campylobacteriosis
Commonly associated with diarrhea, campylobacteriosis can be caught by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. However, research published in the Nature Journal suggests that instances of this illness may increase as the weather gets hotter. The bacterial disease is unlikely to cause serious health complications, but can be uncomfortable for a short period.
Dietary changes
Climate change is set to impact the global food supply, according to information from the United Nations (UN). As certain foods become less available to us, communities will be forced to look for alternative food supplies. This shift is certain to have a negative impact on our health, as it is likely to cause low levels of nutrition and mass hunger.
Higher suicide rates
One of the most surprising consequences of extreme weather is the impact it has on our mental health. Research published in the Nature Journal suggests that the rate of suicides increases when the weather gets hotter. The researchers also found that people’s general mental wellness deteriorated with warmer weather. If you experience depression or know someone who does, you can find guidance on the Samaritans website.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Storms can often cause power shortages and power cuts, leaving people with no choice but to use portable electricity generators. However, research suggests that using these machines in poorly ventilated spaces can increase your chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of low-level exposure include dizziness, tiredness, stomach pain, and confusion. High-level exposure can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
Kidney disease
Extreme heat and water shortages could play havoc with our kidneys. Research published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggests that this potent combination could lead to more cases of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Symptoms of this illness include blood in your urine, swollen limbs, itchy skin, and trouble sleeping. Many people who have CKD can live long lives.
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