INDIVIDUAL REPORT

Topic: Humans and other species

Candidate Name: Sheetal Prasad
Candidate Number: 1627
Centre Name: Primus Public School
Centre Number ​: IN652

How have the consequences of climate change impacted human health and to what
extent?

The United Nations refers to climate change as constant fluctuations in weather patterns and

shifts in the standard temperatures due to human activity. The consumption of coal,

transportation, chemical plants, and other resources has increased since the industrial period.

Consequently, this led to a rise in the levels of greenhouse gases and repercussions such as

climate change. (United Nations - Climate Action, n.d.). Over the years, the adverse effects of

climate change have had excessive impacts on human health, bringing rise to multiple

daunting diseases.

In this report, I will explore the different perspectives of the argument “ How have the

consequences of Climate Change impacted human health” on a global and national level. I

will then suggest the best course of action and a conclusion.

Climate change

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of radiology, AI, and 3D printing to

create customised implants. A report by Richard M. H. Suen, a certified professor and

researcher, enlightens us about the change in medicinal practices over the years. The outbreak

of many diseases led to a gradual increase in the death rates. This persuaded the locals to

invest more significant sums of money into insurance. More considerable funds allowed the

healthcare sector to grow significantly and provide scientists and researchers with better

equipment and working conditions.

Over time, with limited resources, the healthcare industries were in a state conducive to

producing primitive medicines. In due course, by the latter half of the 20th century, the

discovery of more antibiotics( like penicillin) and drugs led to a decline in the mortality rate.

The hygiene standards and living conditions significantly increased, and the population

increased from 1.6 billion to 8.1 billion. . It was later discovered that the demand for

healthcare rose due to climate change and its repercussions.

Effects of climate change on human health

Severe storms and heatwaves are alarming climate-related hazards (World Health

Organization, 2023). According to a source known as ScienceDirect, the atmosphere

temperatures have risen over the last 100 years. The effect of heat has resulted in a substantial

increase in mortality and morbidity across various places globally. Numerous chronic

diseases have caused the larger population to be in a vulnerable state. (ScienceDirect, 2018).

The referenced source may be considered unreliable primarily because it contains outdated

information. The passage of time may have rendered the content obsolete, diminishing its

accuracy and relevance. However it is important to note that the source is highly recognised

and respected for high quality content and rigorous standards.

A document about the effect of heat on the human body, published by the American Public

Health Association, states that the frequency and intensity of the heat waves have amplified

due to increased greenhouse gas levels. Such extreme heat events can trigger the body to

release stress hormones and cause the sweat glands to cease functioning. When the body is

unable to adjust to the temperature of the outside environment, the chances of heat strokes are

severe and can even lead to death. Statistics prove that more than 1,300 people die due to heat

stroke in America every year. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention -Extreme Heat Can

Impact Our Health In Many Ways, n.d.) While well-reputed and credible publishers and

organisations back the source, it is crucial to note that the data presented is confined to the

Western regions. This constraint raises the possibility that the findings may not be universally

applicable and might not accurately represent other parts of the world.
Climate change intensifies severe storms as rising temperatures accelerate the melting of

glaciers. The aftermath contributes to riverine flooding, disrupting the water cycle and

heightening the likelihood of heavy rainfall, storms, and hurricanes.A recently published

article about the impacts of dust storms by SageJournals gives us insight into the

ramifications of intense storms. The source suggests that the airborne particles enter the

respiratory system, and the larger particles tend to settle on the upper respiratory tract.

However , the smaller particles may penetrate through the lung tissues. The toxic properties

of these particles can result in multiple diseases, such as damage to the cerebral, skin, blood,

and immune systems. The source also stated that the rise of dust particles in the air does not

pose a question of death. However, a trend suggests that the number of asthmatic patients

may rise over the years due to increased dust particles in the human respiratory tract. This

source may not be more accurate as SageJournals is not a well-reputed and prestigious site;

therefore, the data may be unreliable. (SageJournals, 2023). The information presented in the

source is authentic, as it extensively draws upon numerous other sources in a well-researched

article. However, it is essential to note that the source lacks proper attribution or credit.

Global perspective

Heavy storms negatively affect human health, causing conditions such as damaged liver or

respiratory tract. (City of Chicago- Water-Related Illness,n.d.). It also indirectly contributes

to the spread of Cholera by contaminating water sources with Vibrio cholerae, a

disease-causing bacterium. Heavy rainfall and flooding overwhelm sanitation systems,

leading to the mixing of sewage with fresh water. This contamination provides a conducive

environment for cholera transmission. The risk of cholera outbreaks rises in areas with

inadequate water and sanitation. The recent outbreak of Cholera was announced on 15th July

2023 ( World Health Organization - New analysis confirms the world is seeing an upsurge of

Cholera, 2023). The toxins enter the gut and cause a shift in the osmotic level resulting in

watery faeces. According to the World Health Organization, each year, researchers
meticulously approximate up to 4 million cases of Cholera worldwide, resulting in more than

143,000 deaths. By the start of 2023, 25 countries have reported this dreadful outbreak, of

which Africa remains the most affected region. The outbreak of Cholera coincided at

equivalent places, and the complexity escalated. The lack of global resources, Oral Cholera

Vaccine (OCV), and cholera supplies has posed a significant jeopardy to public health. WHO

also published another report in September 2023 confirming the upsurge in the Cholera cases

and has appealed for 160.4 US million dollars to respond to this global crisis. (World Health

Organization- Cholera, 2023)

National Perspective

In recent reports, the heatwaves have caused the patterns of diseases and mortality rates to

worsen. This has posed a question to global health and security. The increasing temperature

will result in more vector-borne and rodent-borne diseases, as temperature affects the rate at

which pathogens within mosquitoes multiply. Many insects in proximity can amplify the risks

of infections. Henceforth, the populations that have little to no immunity are at a susceptible

state.

According to a research paper published by the Department of Public Health, dengue

occurred in Malé, Maldives, in 1979, and subsequent outbreaks transpired in 1983, 1988. The

report disclosed that, in the earlier days Maldives did not have a regular dengue control

program; however over time with more research and development vicinities have been

treated via a two-week ULV spraying (spray to kill mosquitoes) to prevent the speedy

transmission of the disease. Since this change only a negligible number of cases have been

detected (Maldives Health Ministry, N.D.).

Courses of Action. ​

Alleviating heatwave issues involves enforcing immediate resolutions for short-term relief

and simultaneously generating abiding strategies for long-term resilience. As for temporary

solutions, the local authorities or government bodies can initiate early warning systems. The

weather patterns can be studied, and professionals can foresee and warn the public about
extreme weather conditions. Officials can spread awareness of the adverse effects caused by

heat waves, which will inform the locals about the symptoms, risk factors, and appropriate

steps to take to seek treatment.

Addressing long-term solutions could involve a significant improvement in the

infrastructure. The government, mainly in the western region, can create centres with

insulation in every state to reduce their vulnerability to heat. With this, the locals have

ensured security in their proximity throughout extreme heat events. (United States

Environmental Protection Agency, 2023). An article by Forbes shows that the average cost

for a 2000-square-foot house ranges from $3000 to $10,000.(Forbes Home, 2023). By

investing in such precautions, the government can ameliorate the financial burden on the

healthcare sector by preventing and mitigating illnesses, thereby reducing the need for

extensive spending on medical treatments and cures.

Maintaining a clean and sanitary neighbourhood can prevent water-borne and vector-borne

diseases. A global assessment conducted by the WHO states that 23% of the global death

rates arise due to environmental changes that can be altered or modified. The report further

suggests; to prevent diseases from being transmitted through water, better hygiene measures

and water storage appliances can be put to use (World Health Organization - Preventing

disease through healthy environments: a global assessment of the burden of disease from

environmental risks, 2016). Safety measures must be taken to eradicate disease-causing

species such as mosquitoes and rodents. Use of rodenticides and chemical larvicides can

significantly reduce the transmission of diseases(National Center for Vector Borne Disease

Control, Government of India 2023). Overusing them can cause a change in the ecological

balance therefore government officials can use them annually and also institute monthly

protocols and mass testing to control the risks associated with diseases.

This proactive approach involves the regular review and implementation of measures to

prevent the spread of infections and ensure public health and safety. By consistently assessing

and adjusting protocols, authorities can stay responsive to evolving health conditions and

promote a more dynamic and adaptable strategy for disease control.

To further improve resilience, renewable energy sources can be promoted within the

community. The shift towards utilising renewable sources is believed to cause a deceleration

of climate change. Continued progress in adopting sustainable living practices is poised to

mitigate the effects of climate change further, ultimately abating adverse effects on human

health. As we advance in our commitment to sustainable initiatives, the collaborative effort to

restrain climate change safeguards the environment and promotes a healthier, more resilient

future for global communities.

Personal Perspective and Conclusion

After writing this paper I have understood that the Health care system has taken a steep turn

ever since Climate change has occurred . I believe, presently we should be focusing on

treating the diseases caused and implement adequate measures to keep the human species

protected. I have successfully achieved the objectives of this paper as I analysed both

national and global perspectives on the effect of climate change on human health and have

provided suitable courses of action for the issue.

I did have a vested interest in this topic when I started because of my interest in medicine. I

started with a view that we must only focus on reducing climate change to protect our health,

but with my research, I understood there are multiple other measures that can be taken into

consideration to ensure the safety of our well-being.

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