Climate change is a long-term change in the geometric distribution over periods of time that range from decades to millions of years. Climate change may be limited to a specific region or may occur across the whole Earth. Climate change is causative to the global burden of disease and unwanted deaths. Since health is the primary goal of sustainable development and includes physical, social and psychological well-being, it is crucial that the health impacts of climate change be understood and properly addressed.
Climate change affects human health both directly and indirectly. People are exposed directly to changing weather patterns (temperature, precipitation, sea-level rise and more frequent extreme events) and indirectly through changes in the quality of water, air and food, and changes in ecosystems, agriculture, industry, human settlements and the economy. These direct and indirect exposures can cause death, disability and suffering like malnutrition,communicable disease. Health problems increase vulnerability and reduce the capacity of individuals and groups to adapt to climate Change. The relationship between climate change and human health is multidimensional. The health effects of a rapidly-changing climate are likely to be overwhelmingly negative, particularly in the poorest communities. Some of the health effects of climate change.
Changes in precipitation patterns are likely to compromise the supply of fresh water, thus increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. They are also associated with floods and water logging that increase the incidence of diarrhoea, cholera and skin and eye diseases. Agricultural production and food security are also linked directly to precipitation patterns – this impacts the nutritional status of the population.
Health professionals need to be trained on climate change and its impacts on human health to deal with future difficulty. The government in association with NGOs/research organizations working on climate change and health issues may initiate training programmes for health professionals. Awareness programmes on climate change impacts on human health would build the community’s resilience. Improve water supply and sanitation management. Protect water resources. Improve hygienic practices at individual and community levels.
