Climate Change and Health

The global phenomenon of climate change has emerged as one of the most critical challenges of the twenty-first century, exerting far-reaching effects on various aspects of human life. The environmental shifts and public health outcomes has garnered increasing attention from researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. Over the past decade, extreme weather events have increased by 43%, leading to disruptions in healthcare infrastructure, food systems and diseases transmission. Climate change manifests through alterations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events amplifying various health risks. The geographical range of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever expands as warming temperatures extend the breeding seasons of disease-carrying insects. Waterborne diseases become more common as rising temperatures alter water quality and facilitate the proliferation of pathogens. Vulnerable populations and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities bears the brunt of these health impacts. Climate change and mental health has also drawn more attention. The psychological toll of witnessing and surviving climate-related disasters, contributes to elevated stress, anxiety, and depression levels. Comprehensive and multidisciplinary measures are urgently required to reduce the negative health effects of a changing environment. This book chapter explores the complex relationship between climate change and health, delving into the multifaceted ways, and highlights the comprehensive strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and safeguard human health on a global scale.