Dr. Wachira Murage’s Post

Premature deaths linked to climate change are on the rise and over 90% of these deaths occur in developing economies. From the rise of pollution and infectious disease prevalence to food insecurity and increased stress on healthcare systems, the interconnectivity between climate change and health is undeniable—and climate change is exacerbating existing health disparities.

Still on the topic of health and climate change!!!! The intricate relationship between climate change and health is becoming increasingly apparent as the planet experiences unprecedented shifts in weather patterns and environmental conditions. Let me explore the multifaceted synergy between climate change and health, examining the various ways in which one impacts the other, and providing examples that underscore the urgency of addressing this complex intersection. 1. Extreme Weather Events and Health Impacts: Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, heatwaves, floods, and wildfires. These events pose direct risks to human health through injuries, displacement, and mental health issues. For instance, the increased frequency of heatwaves contributes to heat-related illnesses and exacerbates pre-existing health conditions. 2. Vector-Borne Diseases and Changing Climate: Altered climate patterns influence the distribution of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. The expanding range of these vectors contributes to the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease. As temperatures rise, previously unaffected regions become more conducive to the survival and reproduction of these vectors, posing new health threats. 3. Air Quality and Respiratory Health: Climate change contributes to poor air quality through factors like increased wildfires, higher temperatures, and changes in precipitation patterns. This degradation of air quality exacerbates respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For example, the prolonged wildfire seasons in many regions lead to elevated levels of particulate matter in the air, affecting respiratory health. 4. Water Scarcity and Waterborne Diseases: Changes in precipitation patterns and rising temperatures can result in water scarcity in certain regions. Lack of access to clean water contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. Communities facing water scarcity often resort to using contaminated water sources, posing significant health risks. So, the synergy between climate change and health is a critical issue that requires comprehensive and collaborative strategies. Mitigating climate change not only protects the environment but also safeguards human health, promoting resilience and sustainability for current and future generations. Addressing this complex interplay necessitates a holistic approach that considers both environmental and public health priorities. #climatechange #health #bowconsult

🌍 Climate Change Alert: A Human Health Crisis🌍 By mid-century, the unseen hand of climate change is projected to claim an additional 14.5 million lives. This stark number isn't just a statistic—it's a wakeup call for urgent action. 🚨 From scorching heatwaves exacerbating chronic health conditions, to air pollution leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, the impacts are far-reaching. The spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, water and food insecurity, and the displacement of communities are all consequences that put millions at risk. 🌡️🌪️🔥 We must act now to mitigate these impacts and adapt to our changing world. This involves: - Strengthening our health systems to be resilient against climate-related stresses. - Investing in sustainable infrastructure and clean energy to reduce emissions. - Advocating for policies that protect both the planet and public health. - Raising awareness about the interconnectedness of climate change and human health. The time to change the narrative and protect future generations is now. Let's join hands in making our planet a safer, healthier home for all. 🌱✊ video credit: worldeconomicforum #ClimateChange #PublicHealth #ActNow #SustainableFuture

In today's rapidly changing world, the relationship between climate change and community health has become increasingly apparent. Climate change not only threatens our environment but also poses significant risks to the health and well-being of communities worldwide. Today, we will delve into the intricate relationship between these two critical issues. Some of the various ways in which climate change impacts community health may include: 1. Air Quality Degradation: Climate change worsen air pollution through increased emissions, wildfires, and extreme weather events. 2. Heat-related Illnesses: Rising temperatures lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, causing heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration. 3. Vector-borne Diseases:Climate change alters the distribution and behavior of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, expanding the range of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease. By understanding the interconnected nature of these issues and implementing comprehensive strategies that prioritise community health and resilience, we can mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and build healthier, more sustainable communities for generations to come. A more detailed list of health issues associated with climate change, including various means of protection, have been included in our latest blog article.. Please share this post, to enable us all work together to safeguard the health and well-being of our communities in the face of climate change challenges. #ClimateAction #PublicHealth

On this World Environment Day, it's important to recognize the significant impact climate change has on our health. As highlighted in a recent article by News9Live, climate change is linked to several diseases. Among these, the risk of hypothyroidism is of particular concern. Changes in temperature and environmental stressors can disrupt thyroid function, leading to a range of health issues. Thyroid medications are already the most prescribed drug in the country, growing at a high 5% CAGR. Could climate change be the sole reason? We doubt it, considering the autoimmune component of hypothyroidism, but it definitely plays a role! https://lnkd.in/ewp9mT6c #WorldEnvironmentDay #ClimateChange #ThyroidHealth #Hypothyroidism #PalomaHealth #womenshealth

Climate change is a fundamental threat to human health. Rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns are increasing the frequency and severity of heat waves, wildfires, droughts, floods, landslides, hurricanes, and other causes of injury and illness. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, from undernutrition, malaria, diarrheas and heat stress alone . I recently completed a course on climate change and learned about the impact of climate change on human health. It’s alarming to see how climate change is affecting our health and well-being. But it’s also inspiring to see how we can take action to mitigate climate change and protect our health. Here are some things I learned from the course: 1.Climate change is a threat multiplier, undermining and potentially reversing decades of health progress. 2.The effects of climate change on human health are increasingly well studied and quantified. 3.We need to take action to mitigate climate change and protect our health. I’m sharing this post to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on human health and inspire others to take action. Let’s work together to create a healthier and more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. 🌍🌱 #climatechange, #health, #sustainability,#climateaction

☀️Climate change isn't just an environmental issue—it directly affects our health in numerous ways. From extreme temperatures and poor air quality to increased vector-borne diseases and psychosocial impacts, no aspect of health is untouched. 📊This infographic highlights the diverse health impacts of climate change and emphasizes that these impacts are not experienced equally across all populations. 🔗Find out more about the link between climate change and health: https://ow.ly/SSyB50SJq99

Navigating Climate Challenges: Insights from the El Niño Summit Our 2016 New Voices Fellow Renzo Guinto, recently addressed the El Niño Summit, shedding light on the health impacts of El Niño and climate change. As climate change amplifies El Niño's effects, anticipating increased typhoons, disease outbreaks, and heat-related illnesses, proactive measures become imperative. Read more to learn about the key areas that need to be addressed ⬇ https://lnkd.in/eKZErrfu #globalinnovators

Climate crisis damaging mental and physical health in 5 big ways : Climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year because of undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone, says the World Health Organization. A recent World Economic Forum report – Quantifying the Impact of Climate Change on Human Health – finds that, by 2050, it will cause 14.5 million deaths and over two billion healthy life years lost. Here are some of the emerging health risks as a result of the climate crisis. 1. Rising malnutrition and undernutrition : Climate change and environmental degradation are affecting growing conditions and harvests for many crops, leading to food shortages and failed harvests. The impact of malnutrition and hunger is greatest on babies and children. Approaching 150 million children under five around the world are stunted as a result of lack of nutrients. 2. More vector-borne diseases like malaria : In recent years, tropical diseases like malaria and dengue have been found over a much wider field. Warmer climates are allowing disease-bearing mosquitos to thrive in new areas and live longer before colder winter snaps kill them off. Standing water after flooding and heavy downpours exacerbates the problem, as well as contributing to a rise in diarrhoeal diseases. . 3. Worsening degenerative brain diseases : Higher temperatures have also been linked to an increased incidence of neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s, dementia and motor neurone disease. Scientists believe that the warmer temperatures affect biological pathways in the brain and accelerate or cause disruption to crucial proteins. 4. Greater risk from non-communicable diseases : Three-quarters of deaths globally each year are caused by non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, says the WHO. The majority of these occur in low- and middle-income countries. As well as directly contributing to these diseases – for example, heat waves or air pollution increasing the likelihood of strokes, heart attacks and cancer – there are also less direct impacts. 5. Damage to our mental health : It is not just physical illnesses that climate change causes – increasing temperatures have been linked to aggression, depression, violent suicides, anxiety and stress. Hospitalizations for mental health disorders also increase with higher temperatures, studies show. Extreme weather has an impact on the social and economic determinants of good mental health, as it can lead to homelessness, food and water insecurity and unemployment. For further reading :

Health and Climate Change: A Critical Nexus The escalating effects of climate change pose a significant threat to public health, impacting us through both direct and indirect pathways. Direct Effects: Extreme weather events, including heatwaves and storms, are becoming more frequent and severe, leading to increased heat-related illnesses and a higher incidence of respiratory conditions due to air pollution. Additionally, shifting climates are enabling disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes to expand into new areas, introducing diseases such as malaria and dengue to new populations. Indirect Effects: Climate change undermines food security by affecting crop yields, which increases the risk of malnutrition and related health issues. Mental health is also affected, as anxiety and distress over climate change and its disasters contribute to psychological conditions including depression and PTSD. Action is Essential: Tackling these health challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes reducing emissions, bolstering public health systems, and ensuring food security. Moreover, individual and community actions towards sustainable practices and support for climate-conscious policies can make a significant difference. In essence, combating the health impacts of climate change is about safeguarding a livable future. By acknowledging and acting on the intricate connections between our planet's health and our own, we pave the way for a healthier, more resilient world! 😎 #ClimateChangeAndHealth #GlobalHealth #SustainableLiving #EcoHealth #PublicHealth #ClimateCrisis #EnvironmentalHealth #GreenFuture #HealthyPlanetHealthyPeople #ClimateAwareness #ActOnClimate #EcoAnxiety