Over the years, the days have felt warmer than usual, and often a new health crisis emerges every few months. There may be a reason for this increase in disease. Higher temperatures lead to an increase in allergens and harmful air pollutants, which is associated with many health issues, including increased hospital admissions, issues of asthma, diminished lung function, and increases in premature deaths. These factors seem to be regulated by climate change.
Environmental Factors
The major effects of constant change in the environment have made various impacts on people all over the globe. For instance, air pollution, climate change, diseases caused by microbes, infrastructure issues, and poor water quality. Studies have shown that air pollution effects on humans are a notable public health concern since exposure to air pollution can proliferate mortality and morbidity. Another environmental issue with serious consequences for health is the increase in natural disasters that has followed the shift in Earth’s climate. For example, climate change and air pollution from weather changes affect water sources and sanitation. Moreover, living in an area with a lack of access to health care services is another environmental factor that contributes to disease, making it easier for diseases to spread across many communities. The crisis has negatively impacted healthcare provision, supply chains, and facilities, leading to poor health outcomes.
The Formula for the Future
Due to differing climate contexts, a systemic approach is required for healthcare providers in communities to understand and prioritize various climate change influences. The approach should focus on healthcare operations, finances, and reputation. Currently, the different exposures that healthcare providers experience are based on location, calculated health outcomes, costs, assets, and underlying vulnerabilities in communities. One step would be tightening regulations on greenhouse gas emissions likely to target the health sector in the future, however, the decision creates transition risks. Transition risks are business-related risks that follow economic and societal shifts toward a climate-friendly future. Healthcare providers can help reduce climate change impacts by following the climate agenda and shaping corporate governance. In addition, public health professionals and others in related fields can also educate the public about the harm their actions pose to personal health, community well-being, and quality of life.
Thanks for reading!
- Evonna Chisom
Works Cited
https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/environmental-factors-that-affect-health/#:~:text=These%20issues%20include%20chemical%20pollution,infrastructure%2C%20and%20poor%20water%20quality.