“2023: The Hottest Year on Record and the Growing Health Crisis of Climate Change”
In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists have reached a consensus that the year 2023 has officially become the hottest year ever recorded in the history of our planet. This alarming trend is expected to worsen as we progress through the 21st century, with climate modellers predicting that 2023 could potentially be considered the coolest year for those born in that same year. The rapid urbanization taking place across the globe is leading to the expansion of cities at the expense of forests, transforming them into hotbeds of intense heat and humidity.
The repercussions of climate change, primarily driven by global warming, are posing significant threats to human, animal, and plant health in a multitude of ways. These include direct impacts of heat exposure on the body, extreme weather events, water scarcity, vector-borne and water-borne infections, non-communicable diseases such as strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancers, mental health disorders, and food and nutrition insecurity due to diminished crop yields and nutrient quality. Furthermore, health systems are expected to face a surge in demand due to the influx of climate refugees and the adverse effects of extreme weather events on healthcare infrastructure, supply chains, and personnel.
Among the myriad threats posed by climate change, heatwaves are currently a pressing concern as summer advances across the Indian Subcontinent. Heatwaves are characterized by both absolute temperatures and relative increases compared to historical seasonal norms. However, it is not just the temperature that poses a risk, but the combination of heat and humidity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported a 30% increase in “moist heat” stress between 1980 and 2020.
The impact of heat on the human body is multifaceted, ranging from dehydration and impaired perspiration to blood vessel dilation and increased clot formation, particularly when exacerbated by air pollution. Vulnerable populations, such as infants, young children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with underlying health conditions, are at a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses. Women are also more susceptible to the adverse effects of heat compared to men.
While the severe consequences of heat stress, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, circulatory failure, and even death, are well-documented, the association between severe or prolonged heat exposure and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is often overlooked. NCDs already account for 65% of deaths in India, with the majority occurring in the productive mid-life stage. The escalating heat effects of climate change are poised to exacerbate this health crisis.
Studies have shown that heatwaves are linked to an 11.7% increase in mortality, with a heightened risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and cardiac arrhythmias. As the population ages and cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity become more prevalent, every 1-degree Celsius rise in ambient temperature will amplify the risk of severe cardiovascular events.
Wildfires triggered by extreme heat release harmful particulate matter and toxic chemicals, leading to inflammation and an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The long-term impact of climate change on food systems threatens nutrition security, with rising temperatures diminishing crop yields and nutrient quality, ultimately leading to deficiencies in essential nutrients like zinc, protein, and iron.
As we grapple with the urgent need to mitigate the drivers of climate change and global warming, it is imperative to implement adaptation plans. These plans should include heat action strategies tailored for urban and rural areas, climate-resilient food and healthcare systems, public and healthcare provider education, and proactive measures to address the escalating healthcare demands brought on by heatwaves. Urban planning should incorporate heat shelters, water stations, heat-reflective infrastructure, well-ventilated homes, and increased green spaces. Personal protective measures such as wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, using umbrellas or caps, and staying hydrated are crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of heat exposure.
In conclusion, the escalating heat crisis driven by climate change poses a significant threat to global health and well-being. Urgent action is needed to address this pressing issue and safeguard the health of current and future generations.