Climate change is a public health issue, not just an environmental problem
April 7, 2016Public health may be affected by the impact associated with a changing climate
Climate change poses a significant threat to public health, according to the United States government. The White House has released a new report concerning the health impact the phenomenon could have on the country. The report notes that increasing health issues will be particularly prominent for pregnant women, children, and low-income people. The report predicts that death and illness from heat stroke, respiratory failure, and certain diseases will increase as the effects of climate change worsen.
A wide range of people may be vulnerable to health problems in the coming years
White House science advisor John Holdren suggests that everyone in the United States are vulnerable to the health effects of climate change. The environmental impact of this phenomenon is often the thing that is highlighted most, but a changing environment can also have a significant impact on the health of individuals and groups. Surgeon general Vivek Murthy claims that climate change is something that the U.S. has never seen before in terms of the multitude of consequences it could have.
Rising temperatures may lead to more heat-related deaths
The report presents several scenarios that could unfold in the coming years. One of the scenarios predicts that some 11,000 more heat-related deaths will be seen by 2030 due to rising temperatures throughout the country. The report calls for more action to be taken on climate change in an effort to mitigate its impact on public health. Unlike other health issues, however, climate change cannot be treated with medications and the U.S. must find a way not only to reduce emissions but also distance itself from fossil-fuels.
Governments to be pressured to fight climate change by reducing emissions
Later this month, government leaders from around the world will meet in New York to finalize the climate agreement they made in Paris, France, last year. The Obama Administration is set to pressure the United Nations to encourage countries to sign the agreement by the end of the year, but this process will need the support of 55 countries that represent 55% of all harmful emissions produced throughout the world.