Global climate change has a significant impact on human health. This phenomenon not only affects environmental temperature but also affects disease patterns, air quality and food security. One of the main impacts is an increase in temperature which causes heat waves. Heat waves can increase the risk of dehydration and various heat-related illnesses, especially in vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Climate change also worsens air quality. Rising temperatures increase air pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions, which contributes to rising cases of asthma and other lung diseases. Poor air quality has the potential to lead to higher rates of respiratory infections, particularly risky for people with pre-existing health conditions. On the other hand, climate change triggers changes in weather patterns that can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, are increasingly common in previously unaffected areas. Warmer temperatures and erratic rainfall create an ideal environment for mosquitoes that spread the disease to thrive. The availability of clean water is also threatened by climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns and an increase in the frequency of natural disasters can cause contamination of water sources and worsen sanitation conditions. The clean water crisis has the potential to cause infectious diseases such as diarrhea and typhus, which directly threaten public health. Food security is another aspect affected by changing climate conditions. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can disrupt food production, leading to malnutrition and malnutrition. Food ingredients that do not meet health standards can also trigger gastrointestinal diseases and various other health problems. Psychological stress also needs to be considered. Natural disasters that occur more frequently can cause psychosocial trauma in the affected communities. Mental health is often overlooked in discussions about health, even though the emotional impacts of climate change, such as losing homes and loved ones, are very real and need serious treatment. In a global context, vulnerable groups – including children, the elderly, and those living in poverty – feel the impacts of climate change on health the most. Mitigation and adaptation policies must be implemented to protect public health. This could include developing infrastructure to reduce disaster risks, increasing access to health services, as well as educational programs to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change. A multidisciplinary approach involving the health, environmental and social sectors is essential in addressing this problem. A better understanding of the relationship between climate change and health can help governments and health agencies design more effective measures. Through research and international collaboration, solutions can be found to reduce the health risks caused by climate change.
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