Climate change is already affecting the health of people worldwide. As emergency medicine physicians practicing , we are seeing climate change-driven health emergencies more often. From extreme weather events to temperature changes, the threats to public health are escalating. This article explores how climate change impacts health and provides tips on how to prepare.
How Is Climate Change Affecting Public Health?
As the planet warms, people are seeking emergency medical care for various climate-related health problems. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and asthma from air pollution are on the rise. Diseases linked to flooding and pest relocation are also becoming more common. These changes are contributing to trauma from extreme weather events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods.
Extreme weather also affects emotional health, especially among vulnerable populations. Displacement caused by natural disasters leads to people being unable to access healthcare, worsening existing conditions. The elderly, those with chronic conditions, and marginalized groups are especially at risk.
Real-Life Examples of Health Risks from Climate Change
In Adelaide, Australia, a woman in her 30s came to the emergency department with heat exhaustion symptoms—fatigue, nausea, and headache. She had walked two hours in the heat to buy groceries because she had no access to transportation. Although health advisories urged people to stay indoors, she had no choice but to walk to feed her family. This story highlights a serious issue: public health recommendations may not work for everyone, especially those without shelter or transportation.
People in under-resourced areas or those who are homeless are particularly vulnerable during extreme weather events. These individuals often cannot access the care they need, worsening their health outcomes. Addressing these issues requires not just healthcare interventions but also fixing the societal and infrastructural factors that make people vulnerable.
Health and Safety Concerns from Extreme Weather Events
Extreme weather events, driven by climate change, are causing widespread health and safety issues. When disasters strike, they often damage critical infrastructure like electrical grids and healthcare facilities. People who rely on home medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks or dialysis machines, may find themselves without access to life-saving resources. Emergency care facilities may also be damaged or overwhelmed, preventing people from receiving timely care.
During displacement from events like hurricanes and wildfires, people may struggle to access necessary medications such as insulin, blood pressure medication, and heart disease treatments. For those with chronic conditions, this can lead to complications and even death.
During these times, triage becomes crucial. Triage ensures that patients who need immediate care are treated first. Medical professionals must act quickly to prioritize health needs and direct patients to the appropriate care, especially when resources are limited.
How Can You Protect Your Health in a Changing Climate?
It’s essential for individuals and communities to take proactive steps to protect their health as climate change continues to threaten public well-being. Here are some strategies to help you stay prepared:
- Prepare for Extreme Heat: Stay updated on weather warnings and heat advisories. When extreme heat strikes, stay indoors with air conditioning or fans if possible. Vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, need additional precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
- Ensure Access to Medical Care: Make sure you have access to medical care during emergencies. If you rely on medications or medical equipment, ensure you have a backup plan in case of power outages or facility closures. Keep an emergency kit with essential supplies, including medication, first aid items, and healthcare provider contact information.
- Support Vulnerable Populations: Extreme weather events disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. If you know someone with chronic health conditions, offer assistance to help them access shelter, food, and medical care. Work with community organizations to ensure that these groups are prepared for climate-related emergencies.
- Community Preparedness: Climate change affects entire communities. It’s important to work together to ensure everyone is prepared. Participate in emergency preparedness plans, and support efforts to ensure healthcare facilities are ready to handle increased demand during disasters.
- Understanding Triage in Emergencies: In the event of climate-related emergencies, triage plays a critical role. It allows healthcare providers to prioritize those who need urgent care while delaying treatment for less critical cases. By understanding the importance of triage, individuals can make informed decisions about when to seek care, helping reduce pressure on medical systems.
Conclusion: Protecting Health in a Changing Climate
Climate change is a growing threat to public health, but we can take steps to protect ourselves and our communities. Stay informed about climate-related health risks, prepare for extreme weather, and ensure you have access to healthcare when needed. By addressing health disparities and supporting community preparedness, we can reduce the impact of climate change on public health. Triaging emergencies quickly will also help reduce harm and ensure that people receive the care they need in times of crisis.
