Global warming is a serious phenomenon that has far-reaching consequences, not just for the environment, but for human health as well. Over the past few decades, global temperatures have been on the rise, sometimes by as much as 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) since the late 19th century. These rising temperatures can cause an array of adverse health effects, ranging from increased heat-related illnesses and deaths to serious mental health conditions. It is important to understand how global warming affects your health and what you can do to help.
It is no surprise that unusually high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke, exhaustion, and heat exhaustion. In fact, a study published in The Lancet found that heat-related mortality is highly sensitive to rising temperatures, and that higher temperatures are linked to more than 115,000 deaths annually. Moreover, the elderly and economically disadvantaged are more vulnerable to these effects, due to the often inadequate cooling and ventilation options in their homes. Furthermore, the number of hot days and nights are expected to continue to rise, making these extreme temperatures even more dangerous.
Global warming also has serious mental health implications for its victims. A 2019 study concluded that periods of extreme hot weather are associated with an increase in suicide rates, and that global warming is linked to a “metabolic rearrangement” of the brain, leading to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Children, in particular, are especially vulnerable to these mental health issues, as they are more prone to the physiological effects of extreme temperatures. Additionally, the impacts of environmental disasters, such as floods and fires, can induce trauma in victims and have a lasting effect on their mental health.
Fortunately, there are methods we can use to combat the effects of global warming on our health. One of the best ways to reduce the impact of global warming is by cutting our fossil fuel usage. We can do this by driving less, using renewable sources of energy, and using more efficient means of transportation, such as carpooling or public transportation. Another helpful way to reduce the effects of global warming on our health is by growing our own food and using sustainable farming practices, such as IPM and crop rotation. Finally, we can take steps to make our homes more energy efficient, such as installing energy-saving windows that keep the warm air out and the cool air in.
Global warming has a long-reaching effect on our health and it is up to us to take action and combat its damaging effects. Educating ourselves about the science and effects of global warming is the first step to a healthier future. We must take responsibility for our own health, as well as for the health of future generations, by reducting our carbon footprint and using sustainable practices to protect our planet.
