Climate change is not just about the environment — it also affects people’s health in many ways. When the climate changes, it can make it harder for people to stay healthy and safe.
One big problem is heat. As temperatures rise, heatwaves become more common. This can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and worsen heart or lung problems, especially for older people and children.
Climate change also affects the air we breathe. Warmer weather can increase pollution and cause more dust and smoke in the air. This makes breathing harder for people with asthma or other lung diseases.
Another way climate change impacts health is through water and food. Changes in rainfall can lead to floods or droughts, which affect clean water supplies and food production. This can cause malnutrition and spread diseases through dirty water.
Climate change also changes where insects live. Mosquitoes, for example, can spread diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Warmer temperatures allow these insects to survive in new places, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
Finally, extreme weather events like storms and floods can cause injuries, disrupt healthcare services, and force people to leave their homes. This can lead to stress, mental health problems, and difficulty accessing medical care.
In short, climate change is a serious threat to public health. To protect people, it is important to reduce pollution, prepare health systems, and help communities adapt to these changes.
