The report identifies various health conditions linked to climate change, such as skin cancer from UV radiation, respiratory issues from air pollution, pesticide poisoning in agriculture, and deaths from parasitic and vector-borne diseases. Additionally, it underscores the urgency for integrating occupational safety and health (OSH) considerations into climate change responses, emphasizing the need for safe and healthy working environments.

Experts stressed that phasing out fossil fuels is pivotal in preventing millions of annual deaths caused by conditions worsened by air pollution and rising temperatures, such as asthma and respiratory diseases. Despite compelling evidence linking health problems to emissions, many countries fail to recognize this correlation, hindering effective action.

A study in the British Medical Journal estimated over five million yearly deaths globally due to air pollution from fossil fuels, emphasizing the potential lives that could be saved by transitioning away from these fuels. However, this critical issue was absent in two-thirds of the climate plans submitted to the UN.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also highlighted the immediate health threats posed by climate change, urging nations to prioritize health in their climate strategies. Rising temperatures are expanding the reach of diseases like dengue and malaria, previously confined to specific regions.

Criticism was directed at high-emission nations like India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa for not endorsing the COP28 Health Declaration on Climate and Health, signaling that these omissions could result in repercussions for their populations and worsen global emissions.

Although the declaration overlooked fossil fuels, it did secure US$1 billion in pledges from various entities to support climate and health initiatives, especially in developing countries where health risks due to climate change are severe. However, current funding for health-focused climate action remains notably inadequate.

Experts highlighted the urgency of increasing funding for cleaner energy access globally, particularly in Africa, where a majority of families still use polluting stoves. Transitioning to cleaner alternatives not only reduces emissions but also significantly improves air quality.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), likewise resounded the call for wealthier nations to support transitions to cleaner energy in poorer nations. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization urges the health sector to lead by example in reducing its carbon footprint, given its significant global emissions.

Ultimately, health and climate campaigners advocate for immediate, comprehensive action to address the intertwined issues of climate change and public health, emphasizing the critical role of funding, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and global cooperation in securing a cleaner, healthier future for all.

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These agencies emphasized the glaring absence of maternal and child health considerations in the dialogue surrounding climate change, noting that only a handful of countries have addressed this critical aspect.

According to the UN climate change advocacy brief published in November 2023, the escalating global temperatures are fueling the spread of diseases such as cholera, malaria, and dengue, posing heightened risks to pregnant women and children. Infections during pregnancy can lead to preterm births and other complications, while these diseases can impede physical growth and hinder brain development in children.

Climate change is not just altering the epidemiology and geography of health conditions like respiratory ailments. It is also shifting and intensifying the spread of vector-borne diseases. Additionally, both droughts and floods have profound repercussions on agriculture, food security, housing, infrastructure, and access to clean water, sanitation, and health services. At its extreme, climate change can trigger humanitarian crises, fueling mass migration and accelerating population displacement.

The UN climate change advocacy brief released in November 2023 delineates climate change as one of the most pressing threats to humanity. The distinct risks faced by pregnant women, newborns, and children due to climate-related health impacts are outlined, urging immediate action to meet Sustainable Development Goals, with a specific focus on this vulnerable demographic.

The UN’s call to action outlines seven pivotal steps to mitigate these risks, advocating for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, bolstering climate finance, and integrating women and children into climate and disaster-related policies.

During the COP28 meetings, delegates will observe the inaugural Day of Health, acknowledging the indelible connection between human health and the planet. This event, held in September during the UN General Assembly in New York, united Heads of State and leading health and climate experts. The central theme underscored the urgent nature of the climate crisis as a health crisis, impacting nearly half of the world’s population today rather than in some distant future.

Sources:

CIDRAP

WHO

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By Mohani Niza

The consequences of  climate change go further than rising temperatures and other extreme weather events. It affects people’s mental health too. The gradual but persistent transformation of our planet is causing a heavy psychological price, with individuals and communities facing a complex set of emotions and challenges.

After all, climate change is not merely an environmental concern – it is also a human crisis. The consequences of global warming, including extreme weather events, food scarcity, and displacement, can trigger a range of mental health issues, from anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Anxiety

One of the most prevalent mental health issues linked to climate change is anxiety. As the world witnesses more frequent and severe weather events, individuals living in affected areas experience heightened anxiety levels. The fear of losing homes, livelihoods, and even loved ones can be overwhelming.

Beyond immediate concerns, a broader phenomenon known as “eco-anxiety” is taking hold. It refers to the chronic worry and distress associated with the long-term consequences of climate change. People suffering from eco-anxiety often grapple with feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and guilt over their perceived contributions to environmental degradation.

Depression and grief

Depression is another mental health condition exacerbated by climate change. Prolonged exposure to the effects of global warming, such as prolonged droughts, heatwaves, or flooding, can lead to chronic stress and depression. Farmers witnessing their crops wither due to changing weather patterns or coastal communities repeatedly rebuilding after devastating storms are particularly vulnerable.

Moreover, climate change-induced loss can evoke a unique form of grief known as “climate grief” or “solastalgia.” People experiencing climate grief mourn not only the loss of loved ones or their homes but also the profound changes happening to the environment and landscapes they hold dear. This grief is a complex, long-lasting emotion that can contribute to chronic depression.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The intensity and frequency of natural disasters associated with climate change can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors. Evacuations, rescues, and the aftermath of catastrophic events can leave individuals with lasting emotional scars. Studies have shown that even the anticipation of climate-related disasters can increase the risk of PTSD symptoms in vulnerable populations.

Vulnerable communities and inequity

Climate change disproportionately impacts marginalised communities, exacerbating existing disparities in mental health. Low-income communities, people of colour, and indigenous populations often bear the brunt of climate change consequences due to factors such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and historical injustices. Consequently, they are more susceptible to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Children and youth

Children and adolescents, in particular, are at risk as they grapple with the uncertainty of a rapidly changing world. The emotional toll of witnessing environmental degradation and fearing an uncertain future can lead to psychological distress. Young people are increasingly becoming advocates for climate action, but the burden of this responsibility can also weigh heavily on their mental well-being.

Coping strategies

Despite the grim realities, individuals and communities are not powerless. Several coping strategies and interventions can help mitigate the impact:

1. Climate-informed mental health services: Mental health professionals are recognizing the need for climate-informed therapy. This approach helps individuals process their emotions related to climate change and develop coping strategies.

2. Community resilience programs: Building strong, resilient communities can provide a buffer against climate-induced mental health issues. These programs foster social connections and empower individuals to support each other during crises.

3. Education and awareness: Increasing awareness about the mental health impacts of climate change is essential. Education can reduce stigma, encourage open conversations, and promote self-care strategies.

4. Green spaces and nature therapy: Access to green spaces and nature can have a calming effect on mental health. Encouraging people to spend time outdoors and reconnect with nature can be therapeutic.

Final words

The impact of climate change on mental health is a growing and complex crisis that affects individuals and communities around the world. From anxiety and depression to PTSD and climate grief, the psychological toll of global warming is profound. Vulnerable populations, including marginalised communities and youth, are especially at risk.

Addressing the mental health consequences of climate change requires a multifaceted approach. It involves climate-informed mental health services, community resilience programs, education, and promoting access to green spaces. As we continue to combat climate change on a global scale, we must also prioritise the well-being of those who bear the emotional burden of a warming world.

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It is frequently multidrug-resistant, which means it is resistant to a variety of antifungal drugs commonly used to treat Candida infections. Some strains are resistant to all three antifungal classes; It is difficult to identify using standard laboratory methods and can be misidentified in labs lacking specialized technology. Misidentification may result in ineffective management. It has also caused outbreaks in healthcare facilities.

Because of this, the CDC stressed the significance of rapidly identifying C. auris in a hospitalized patient, so that healthcare facilities can take extra precautions to stop its spread.

According to the CDC, the number of C. Auris clinical cases have increased, with 2,377 clinical cases and 5,754 screening cases reported in the last 12 months. (January 2022 – December 2022).

Climate change as a factor in its prevalence

Meanwhile, an earlier study suggested that climate change may have contributed to the rise of the deadly fungus. The researchers of the study “On the Emergence of Candida auris: Climate Change, Azoles, Swamps, and Birds,” which was published in the scientific journal mBio, compared the heat tolerance of C. auris to that of related species. While the majority of the species studied do not multiply above 35-37°C (95-98.6°F), C. Auris can withstand temperatures as high as 42°C (107.6°F). The study also stated that the widespread use of antifungal drugs has been suggested as a contributing factor in the fungus’s emergence. Nonetheless, some experts argue that the fungus’s tolerance of high temperatures isn’t enough to prove that its rise is caused by climate change, because it’s unclear when the fungi developed their resistance to high temperatures. Climate change, the researchers admit, is likely just one of many factors that contributed to its emergence.

On the other hand, according to WHO, which published a report in October 2022 highlighting the first-ever list of fungal “priority pathogens” – a catalogue of the 19 fungi that pose the greatest threat to public health – emerging evidence indicates that the incidence and geographic range of fungal diseases are both expanding globally due to global warming and increased international travel and trade.

The WHO fungal priority pathogens list (FPPL) is the first global initiative to systematically prioritize fungal pathogens based on unmet R&D needs and perceived public health importance. The WHO FPPL seeks to focus and drive additional research and policy interventions aimed at strengthening the global response to fungal infections and antifungal resistance.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/Candida-auris/

https://www.who.int/news/item/25-10-2022-who-releases-first-ever-list-of-health-threatening-fungi

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