Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant and lasting alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system. These changes are primarily driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which increase levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Climate change has far-reaching impacts on environmental health, affecting air quality, water resources, and biodiversity, which in turn can influence public health outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change is responsible for increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods, which can have devastating effects on communities and public health.
2. Rising temperatures associated with climate change contribute to air pollution by exacerbating conditions like ground-level ozone formation, leading to respiratory issues in vulnerable populations.
3. The effects of climate change are not uniform; marginalized communities often face greater risks due to socioeconomic factors that limit their adaptive capacity.
4. Climate change impacts freshwater availability by altering precipitation patterns and increasing evaporation rates, affecting drinking water supplies and agriculture.
5. Mitigation strategies, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency, are crucial to combat climate change and protect public health.

Review Questions

• How does climate change affect public health through environmental factors?
  • Climate change impacts public health primarily by altering environmental conditions such as air quality, water availability, and extreme weather events. Increased temperatures can worsen air pollution, leading to respiratory problems, while changes in precipitation can lead to waterborne diseases due to contamination. Additionally, extreme weather events can cause injuries and disrupt healthcare services, further compromising community health.
• What role do greenhouse gases play in the phenomenon of climate change?
  • Greenhouse gases are pivotal in climate change as they trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures. Human activities like burning fossil fuels for energy release significant amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. The accumulation of these gases enhances the greenhouse effect, resulting in changes to weather patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifts in ecosystems that pose risks to public health.
• Evaluate the potential long-term impacts of climate change on ecosystem health and public health systems.
  • The long-term impacts of climate change on ecosystem health are profound, as altered habitats can lead to species extinction and reduced biodiversity. These ecological changes disrupt food chains and contribute to ecosystem services decline. Public health systems may face increased burdens due to rising incidences of climate-related diseases such as heat-related illnesses or vector-borne diseases. As ecosystems deteriorate, access to clean water and nutritious food may become compromised, further straining health resources and increasing healthcare costs.

Related terms

Greenhouse gases: Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.

Global warming: The long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases.

Ecosystem disruption: The disturbance of ecological balance and species interactions due to changes in climate, which can result in habitat loss and decreased biodiversity.