“The Heart-Breaking Effect of Hurting Our Planet: Insights from Dr. Sonia Y. Angell, MD, MPH”
Climate change is a pressing issue that affects every aspect of our lives, including our health. Dr. Sonia Y. Angell, a Bloomberg Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, recently gave a talk on “The Heart-Breaking Effect of Hurting Our Planet” at the October Jam Session hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity. In her talk, Dr. Angell highlighted the interconnectedness of cardiovascular health and climate change, shedding light on the ways in which environmental changes exacerbate health risks, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Angell began her talk by emphasizing the impact of climate change on health, noting that over half of all known human pathogenic diseases can be aggravated by environmental changes. She explained how warming, precipitation, floods, and droughts can increase the risk of infectious diseases, especially for individuals with cardiovascular disease who are already at higher risk. Despite the clear link between climate change and health, Dr. Angell pointed out that there is a disconnect between how the public perceives these issues, with many Americans not receiving information about environmental problems from trusted sources like healthcare providers.
Drawing on research from the US Global Change Research Program, Dr. Angell discussed the various ways in which climate change affects health, from heat-related illnesses to cardiopulmonary diseases. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on socially and economically disadvantaged populations, as well as individuals with pre-existing health conditions. By examining New York City census maps, Dr. Angell demonstrated how racial discrimination and poverty contribute to heat vulnerability and other health disparities in certain communities.
In addition to heat vulnerability, Dr. Angell also addressed the issue of food insecurity exacerbated by climate change. Environmental factors such as severe weather and temperature changes can disrupt food supply chains, leading to increased risk for chronic diseases and other health issues. Dr. Angell stressed the importance of systemic and political changes to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the acute effects of climate change on public health.
Overall, Dr. Sonia Y. Angell’s talk shed light on the urgent need to address the intersection of cardiovascular health and climate change. By raising awareness about the health risks associated with environmental changes, Dr. Angell’s presentation serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to prioritize climate action and protect public health for future generations.