“The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, and sea level has risen. ”
what is climate change?
Generally, climate change can be a result of natural phenomena (e.g. solar energy, volcanic eruptions, natural changes in greenhouse gas concentrations). After the mid-20th century, however, human activities are believed to be the cause of most of the Earth's warming (EPA). Climate change is a phenomenon primarily due to an accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere arising from the burning of fossil fuels (Haines, 2006). It is classified as significant shifts of regional or global climates over long periods of time.
Climate change includes major changes in:
(Franchini, 2015)
verage & peak temperatures
- humidity
- atmospheric pressure
- water salinity
- atmospheric pressure
- precipitation
- wind patterns
- mountain & polar glacier size (decrease)
WHY SHOULD WE CARE?
“We’re the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.”
- Climate change impacts human health, especially in the area of infectious diseases (Wang, 2015).
- Climate change is experienced alongside other global changes including population growth, urbanization, land use changes and depletion of fresh water resources (Haines, 2006).
- The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages those who are involved in decisions concerning public health to act now. This is to address climate hazards and also long-term adaptation strategies. Failure to invest in these strategies could result to countries that are poorly prepared to cope with severe changes that increases probability for dire consequences (Haines, 2006).
Potential health effects of climate variability and change from Haines and Patz1 JAMA, 7 January 2004, Vol 291, Page 10. Copyrightq (2004) American Medical Association
Mitigation Policies for Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Energy efficiency
Use of renewable energy sources
Forest preservation & replanting
Modulating Influences
Population density and growth
Level of technological development
Standard of living and local environmental conditions
Pre-existing health status
Quality of and access to health care
Public health infrastructure
Adaptation Measures
Vaccination programmes Disease surveillance
Protective technologies
Weather forecasting and warning systems
Emergency management and disaster preparedness
Public health education and prevention
Legislation and administration