Climate Change and Health
摘要
As the most serious threat of this century, climate change affects global health progress, with multisectoral impacts spanning the environment, society, and economy. Human activities have intensified extreme weather events, which now occur more frequently and are less predictable. No country is exempt, including those in Asia, where risks are shared but challenges vary across nations. The challenges include heatwaves, heavy rainfall and floods, tropical cyclones and typhoons, droughts, and air pollution or haze, all directly and indirectly affecting human health. Health consequences include heat-related illnesses; the spread of water, food, and vector-borne diseases; and increased likelihood of chronic conditions, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, such as the aging and economically disadvantaged population. Extreme weather also contributes to rising mental health burdens, including depression and PTSD, while also damaging health infrastructure. According to the WHO, an estimated 250,000 more deaths annually may result from climate change-related impacts, such as malnutrition, malaria, and heat stress. In response, Asian countries developed strategies across multiple levels, including climate-resilient surveillance systems and infrastructure, early warning mechanisms, research and innovation, and multisectoral policy collaboration. While tailored to the local context, these strategies offer valuable insights for broader adoption in countries facing similar challenges.