Climate Change Is a Health Hazard: 8 Examples

1. Diabetes Incidence Rises with Temperature.

Global warming may contribute to the worldwide epidemic of type 2 diabetes. In the US, a study found that for each degree Celsius rise in temperature, there was an overall increase in age-adjusted diabetes incidence of 0.314 per 1000 and a 0.170% increase in the prevalence of glucose intolerance.

2. Hot Times Ahead.

Deadly heat waves are expected to become more frequent in coming decades. Researchers used climate models to predict that an increase in global warming of 1.5°C could double the number of large cities that experience heat stress by 2050.

3. A Sea Change.

A warming trend in sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic and North Sea over the past half-century is strongly associated with an increase in vibrios, including human pathogens. This increase correlates with a rise in environmentally acquired Vibrio infections in Northern Europe and the US East Coast.

4. Mosquitoes on the Move.

Changes in temperature and precipitation may help promote the transmission of dengue virus, spread predominantly by

Aedes aegypti

mosquitoes. Climate change simulations suggest conditions may become more suitable for dengue in the southeastern US; however, low winter temperatures in the region limit year-round transmission.

5. Losing Sleep Over Global Warming.

Results of a US survey showed a strong link between warmer temperatures at night and insufficient sleep, especially among elderly (effects in older adults were found to be nearly 2X that in younger adults) and lower-income persons. Future climatic changes are likely only to exacerbate the problem.

6. Blowing in the Wind.

Spores of the fungus

Alternaria alternate

can induce allergy symptoms and asthma. Because spore production increases when atmospheric CO2 levels are high, climate change may result in greater exposure to the fungus.

7. Food for Thought.

Over time, climate change can directly affect the quality and quantity of agricultural products. Rising global temperatures can result in loss of arable land-and thus contribute to malnutrition.

8. Skin in the Game.

Increased temperatures may indirectly affect skin cancer rates because of changes in related behavior. Warmer water temperatures may expand the habitats and lengthen the duration of peak activity of aquatic organisms that cause cercarial dermatitis and seabather eruption.