The most significant risk to people’s health in the 21st century will come from climate change. The changing climate already has and will continue to have direct impacts on health, such as heat waves, droughts, heavy storms, and the rise in sea level. There will also be effects on health from things like vector-borne and airway diseases, lack of food and water, malnutrition, and forced migration.

The environment in which we live has a significant impact on our overall health. Nevertheless, our environment is shifting, which will likely have major repercussions for our well-being, safety, and health. The term “climate change” refers to a shift that has taken place over a period of decades in the earth’s weather systems. The majority of the most recent changes observed in our climate can be attributed to the actions of humans. Without any sort of intervention, the effects of the changing climate will spread far and wide across our state, the rest of the country, and the rest of the world, and they will be catastrophic. It is a very important problem that could affect people on a global, national, local, and even personal level. 

It is anticipated that climate change will cause roughly 250 000 more deaths each year between the years 2030 and 2050. These deaths will be caused solely by starvation, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. It is estimated that the direct damage costs to health will be between 2 and 4 billion dollars per year by the year 2030. The areas with the weakest health infrastructure, which are mostly in developing countries, will be the least able to handle the outbreak without help getting ready for it and dealing with it. 

Climate Change

Increases in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere drive climate change by raising the earth’s average temperature. 

As a result of greenhouse gases’ ability to absorb heat, air and water temperatures rise. They are mostly made by managing land, mining, farming, transportation, and burning fossil fuels (like coal) to make electricity. Already, people in every corner of the world can observe the results of climate change.

1. A rise in the number of days that reach extremely high temperatures.

2. A rise in climatic conditions that are conducive to the spread of fire and the length of the fire season.

3. A decrease in rainfall during the cool seasons, which led to the lowest streamflow recorded over the course of the last several decades a rise in sea levels.

4. Additional rises in the number of days that are extremely hot and the overall temperature the number of days with extremely high fire danger is growing, and the fire season is getting longer as a result.

5. The annual rainfall totals on average are getting lower, which is having an adverse effect on the quality of water in streams and rivers. 

6. An increased probability of sudden flooding as a result of more intense and frequent heavy.
The level of the sea along the coast is continuing to rise.

Health Effects Of Climate Change

The greatest threat to human health in the twenty-first century, according to the World Health Organization, is climate change. It affects health and welfare in a variety of ways, including:

1. Extreme weather events (including heatwaves, floods, and bushfires) are becoming more intense and frequent.

2. Directly, as a result of changes in the spread of infectious diseases, deteriorating air quality, dangers to food and water, and effects on mental health.

Climate change will also have an effect on the economy. This will lead to more social inequality, financial stress, lack of food security, and unemployment. 

Who is most at danger from the consequences of climate change on their health?

Some individuals are more susceptible to the negative consequences of climate change on their health than others:

1. There are several factors that contribute to children's precarious position. Children, for instance, are more vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration, and they are also more sensitive to the effects of being exposed to air pollution and smoke from bushfires. Their immune systems have not yet matured to their full potential, which puts them at a greater risk of contracting illnesses. They often have to depend on other people to keep them safe and help them get better after dangerous situations.

2. As a result of the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, a woman's chance of experiencing heat stress during periods of extreme heat is significantly enhanced. They and their unborn babies are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and smoke from wildfires.

3. Dehydration, heat stress, infections, and a worsening of pre-existing heart and lung disease are more likely to occur in elderly people and people with one or more pre-existing medical disorders.
People who live in rural and remote areas, people who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people who live on low incomes, and other vulnerable populations are also at an increased risk. This is in part due to inequalities in the underlying health outcomes and the limited accessibility of healthcare and other services. 

4. People who live in rural or remote regions, as well as those who live along the coast, are at an increased risk of being affected by extreme occurrences such as bushfires, droughts, hurricanes, and rising sea levels.

Taking steps to lessen your role in climate change

Individual decisions can have an impact. If we all make small adjustments, our combined efforts will result in a more significant impact. Individual choices have the potential to have an effect. If everyone of us makes a few minor improvements, the sum of our work will ultimately result in a more significant impact.

1. Your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, several malignancies, and musculoskeletal disorders can be decreased by increasing your use of "active transportation," such as walking and cycling.

2. Utilizing active transportation or public transportation less frequently can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the quality of the air, which will assist in lowering the prevalence of lung cancer and other lung disorders (including asthma), heart disease, and stroke. 

3. It is beneficial to your health and the environment to consume a diet high in plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, and low in animal-based foods.

4. When combined with a well-balanced, regular diet and a healthy, active lifestyle, eating the amount of fruit and vegetables recommended for men and women each day can help you avoid obesity, keep a healthy weight, lower your cholesterol, and lower your blood pressure.

5. Reducing your intake of high-calorie processed foods will help you use fewer calories overall and lessen their negative effects on the environment. Most processed foods have more salt, sugar, or saturated fat, take more energy to make, and are often packed, which adds to the amount of trash in landfills.

6. It's healthier for the environment and your health to drink tap water instead of bottled water or sugary beverages. Tap water is also significantly less expensive.

7. You might save money and energy if you can heat and cool your home well all year round. 

All these contribute to the well-being of our neighbourhoods but also lessen the burden on the healthcare system.

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