Climate Change: A Threat to Global Health?

 by Annika Bright

Flooding in Pakistan (image source: al jazeera)

As summarised by the World Health Organisation, the impact of global climate change today is both ‘human-induced’ and a direct danger to human health. Although we have recently experienced a summer of extreme weather, including both drought and dangerous heat, the effects of global warming on health are often overlooked by many and the global threshold of 2’C has been predicted to be surpassed by as early as 2026. This increase may not seem to be detrimental in comparison to the present-day maximum of 1.5C, however, the 0.5C difference could be all the difference in regard to the physical and mental health of the human population. 

Whilst the impacts of the rapid temperature increase and extreme weather events may seem obvious to some, the mental effects are also immensely destructive to the well-being of today’s population. An example of this can be seen as a result of flooding as well as drought which as stated by America’s Psychiatric Association, is directly linked to heightened stress, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

Furthermore, the recent flooding in Pakistan has caused over 600,000 people to be displaced as the country was engulfed underwater. The flooding has posed great dangers to Pakistan’s population as waterborne and vector-borne diseases such as Cholera and Malaria have begun to spread much more rapidly compared to previously. A devastating 1500 people have lost their lives. Thus, not only have the floodings caused damage to the homes and livelihoods within Pakistan but have also caused great stress on the healthcare system - resulting in those who are faced with poverty, women and children being disproportionately affected. The food crisis is also an outstanding dilemma for the country as Pakistan continues to grapple with its livestock being continually destroyed causing its citizens to struggle with the cost inflation of 500% in some cases leaving the country largely reliant on humanitarian aid from UN donors which is often insufficient. 

The catastrophic effect of ‘human-induced’ climate change is increasingly threatening to the global population. Therefore, it is imperative that we strive to keep the temperature threshold below 1.5C to ensure that our future is secure.