Climate Change: The Silent Threat to Your Health

Climate change has been declared a public health crisis by the American Medical Association (AMA) at their 2022 annual meeting. The effects of climate change on health are already being felt, with patients experiencing adverse health effects such as heat-related injuries, vector-borne diseases, air pollution from wildfires, worsening seasonal allergies, and storm-related illnesses and injuries. These health impacts are a direct result of the increase in extreme weather events caused by climate change.

Currently, there are over 800 active wildfires burning in Canada and more than 200 in the United States, leading to serious air pollution across both countries. The smoke from these wildfires contains toxic gases and fine particulate matter that can cause irreparable damage to the lungs and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. The damage to the lungs and heart can also make patients more susceptible to infectious diseases, which is a significant concern given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Severe weather events, such as the 2016 summer storm in Louisiana that caused disastrous flooding, are also linked to climate change. The increase in global warming has led to a rise in rainfall, resulting in flooding that damages homes and increases mosquito populations. The rise in precipitation and temperatures due to climate change create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive, leading to an increase in vector-borne diseases like malaria, Zika, Lyme disease, and plague.

In addition to physical health effects, climate change is also impacting mental health. Patients are experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to natural disasters like floods and wildfires. The long-term mental health effects of climate change-related events can persist for years, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health concerns in the context of climate change.

Physicians play a crucial role in addressing the health impacts of climate change. They need to educate themselves on how climate change affects health, be prepared to discuss climate change with patients, and advocate for changes that reduce the environmental footprint. By incorporating brief educational messages, asking permission to discuss controversial topics, emphasizing the consequences to the patient, acknowledging the difficulties associated with changes, and being open to different approaches, physicians can effectively communicate health risks to their patients.

Overall, climate change is a widespread, rapid, and intensifying crisis that requires immediate action. Physicians must be prepared to educate their patients on the health effects of climate change, address mental health concerns, and advocate for changes that mitigate the impact of climate change on health. By taking proactive steps to address climate change, physicians can help protect the health and well-being of their patients and communities.