Climate change

Long-term changes in temperatures and weather patterns are referred to as climate change. These changes could be natural, such as oscillations in the solar cycle. However, since the 1800s, human activities have been the primary cause of climate change, mainly due to fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. The combustion of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gas emissions, which behave like a blanket wrapped over the Planet, trapping heat from the sun and raising temperatures. Carbon dioxide and methane are two greenhouse gas emissions affecting climate change. For example, they are caused by using gasoline to drive a car or coal to heat a building. Clearing land and forests can also result in the release of carbon dioxide. Garbage landfills are a significant source of methane emissions.What is Climate Change?

How does climate change affect the people

Climate change has caused severe side effects, including extreme heatwaves, melting glaciers, widescale droughts, destructive wildfires, and increasing carbon dioxide levels. These changes have caused various health complications, especially among older populations, ethnic minorities, and the poor. Rising temperatures are associated with a more than 50% increase in heat-related death among people over 65, as well as increased heart and lung conditions, mental illness, immune system reactions such as allergies, and many other disorders. A Domino Effect on the heart is also a significant issue, with cardiovascular diseases ranking as the leading cause of death worldwide. Additionally, climate change significantly impacts heart health, with spikes in our core body temperature causing us to breathe faster and harder, which can trigger heart attacks and heat strokes. Finally, the negative impact of climate change on air quality is also associated with heart damage. In 2014, the U.S. committed to helping protect the environment today is critical in creating a healthier society. Climate change significantly impacts mental health, particularly vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, the economically disadvantaged, and people with pre-existing mental illnesses. Skin cancer due to increased UV radiation and lung cancer, as well as higher temperatures, droughts, floods, and other weather phenomena, can all increase the risk of mental health issues.
Additionally, changes in food supply and reduced consumption of healthy foods can lead to higher mortality rates and disruptions in the healthcare system. Climate change has exacerbated inequities, limiting access to optimal care and techniques in low- and middle-income countries. Pollution has increased in frequency and severity in some geographic regions due to human emissions and increased urbanization. By combining this, international governments, healthcare organizations, and businesses are setting targets to reach net-zero emissions and protect at least 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.Climate Change and Human Health: Racing to Curb the Ripple Effect

What we can do to reduce climate change

Everyone can help limit climate change by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by taking steps such as unplugging, saving energy at home, walking, biking, or taking public transport, eating plant-based foods, eating more vegetables, and flying less. These actions can reduce emissions by up to 2 tons of CO2e per year compared to a lifestyle using a car. To preserve a livable climate, the average annual emissions per person will need to drop to 2 to 2.5 tons by 2030. Take one less long-haul flight, cut food waste, recycle, reduce, reuse, repair & recycle, use renewable energy, and switch to an electric vehicle can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 1.5 tons of CO2e per year. Go electric and invest in environmentally sustainable businesses to reduce your carbon footprint. Speak up and get others to join in taking action. Climate action is a task for all of us, and we can do it together. Explore ideas here.Start with these ten actions!