Climate Change Is a Health Hazard: 8 Examples
Increases in diabetes, insomnia, and skin cancer are just 3 of the hazardous trends identified in recent research. More findings in our slide show.
"No challenge poses a greater threat to our future and future generations than a change in climate." -Barack Obama
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.
Increases in diabetes, insomnia, and skin cancer -- all potential effects, direct or indirect, of shifts in the atmospheric environment.Effects of climate change such as heat waves, rising sea levels, droughts, and more intense storms are potentially harmful to human health, says the CDC. Among those at greatest risk are children, older adults, and persons with chronic health conditions.Some of the health threats of global warming have been reported recently in the scientific news. Click on the slides above for the latest findings. Links to original sources are below.Sources1. Diabetes Incidence Rises With Temperature2. Hot Times Ahead3. A Sea Change4. Mosquitoes on the Move5. Losing Sleep Over Global Warming6. Blowing in the Wind7. Food for Thought8. Skin in the GameÂ
