“Rising Temperatures, Rising Health Risks: The Urgent Call to Action”
Extreme heat has been a major concern this summer, with the World Meteorological Organization reporting that July 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded on Earth. The United States has seen a significant increase in the frequency of heat waves, from an average of two per year in the 1960s to six today.
The impact of extreme heat goes beyond just environmental concerns; it poses a serious threat to human health. Heat-related illnesses already claim more lives in the U.S. than hurricanes, floods, or any other weather-related emergencies. Heatstroke, a condition where the body loses control over internal regulation due to high temperatures, can lead to organ failure within minutes.
In places like Phoenix, Arizona, where temperatures soared above 110 degrees for over 30 consecutive days this summer, at least 25 people have died from the heat, with an additional 249 deaths under investigation. The strain on healthcare systems has been likened to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
High temperatures can exacerbate underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and chronic lung conditions. Studies have shown that heat waves are associated with an almost 12 percent increase in mortality from cardiovascular disease, as well as increased emergency care for kidney and lung conditions.
Not only physical health is affected by extreme heat, but mental health as well. Rising temperatures have been linked to worsened depression, anxiety, and suicide rates. Climate change itself is a source of mental distress, particularly among young people.
In addition to health impacts, rising temperatures are also expanding the reach of infectious diseases once confined to warmer regions. Cases of mosquito, tick, and flea-borne illnesses have doubled between 2004 and 2018, including diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile disease.
One alarming development is the reemergence of malaria in the United States. Over the past few months, there have been locally acquired cases of malaria in Florida and Texas, signaling a shift in disease patterns due to changing weather conditions.
To mitigate the negative health impacts of rising temperatures, individuals can take measures such as knowing their susceptibility to extreme heat, having a plan for heat events, and making changes within their control. It is also crucial for every sector, including the healthcare industry, to examine and reduce their contributions to global warming.
Climate change is now a public health crisis, with the health impacts being felt today set to multiply for future generations. It is imperative that action is taken to address the root causes of these issues and protect the health and well-being of all individuals.