Introduction
Human activity influences the environment in various ways, from climate change acceleration to the increasing deforestation that, as experts predict, can cause another global pandemic. Over the years, it became prevailing for environmental activists to underline this influence on the well-being of animal and plant life, economy, and infrastructure. However, climate change already has consequences on human health, including “high temperature–related diseases, diseases associated with air pollution, vector-borne diseases, allergies, and other conditions” (Kwon, 2020, p. 1). This means there is not enough consensus on the efforts needed to halt climate change or whether the issue is exaggerated, which calls for more research to make adequate conclusions.
Arguments for Climate Change Affecting Health
When looking at the projected numbers and statistics of health impacts from climate change, the current situation is dire, with the future presenting even more feeble. Kwon (2020, p. 1) shows the statistics by the WHO, “…approximately 250 000 elderly people will die each year between 2030 and 2050 from exposure to heat waves, diarrhea, malaria, dengue fever, and coastal flooding.” He argues for comprehensive action against climate change on the example of South Korea, which has experienced unprecedented heat waves with 4526 people sick and 48 people dying from heat-related illnesses in 2018.
Climate change evidence has been explored in the Kush Himalayan Mountain region. Specifically, Dhimal et al. (2021) reported on the increase in “infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), malnutrition, and injuries” (p. 1) in that region, which heats up at rates higher than the global average. They outline not only the negative impacts of heat waves but their influence on agriculture, reduced rainfall, disrupted sanitary systems, contamination of waterways, and show landslides, which causes malnutrition, hunger, and infection. Thus, it shows the all-encompassing effect of climate change on the possible health risks and illnesses.
Arguments Against Climate Change Affecting Health
On the other hand, there exists the possibility of ignoring the risks of health-related issues and climate change overall. Some may even question the necessity of universal healthcare because of the inherent costs. Responding to that, Girard and Nocca (2020) underline that the COVID-19 pandemic showed the importance of global health to the economy and that skipping on healthcare might lead to more long-term costs. Moreover, Girard and Nocca (2020) claim that the solutions to this health crisis posed by climate change need to involve different sectors, as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. This conclusion seems to be recognized throughout the literature in the field, with Girard and Nocca (2020) arguing for economic reforms to address the issue.
Another argument is that climate change can lead to the transformation of society for the better. Girard and Nocca (2020) propose the concept of circular economy to combat the issues in financing healthcare and ensuring universal access to it. However, Charlson et al. (2022) report on the opinion that climate change will force people into sustainability after the collapse of the existing systems. Besides, the increased investment into Research and Development efforts is expected to expand the range of technologies targeted at addressing potential challenges linked to climate change. This means that society is expected to learn to live within the changing context.
Discussion
There is a certain degree of uncertainty associated with dealing with the impact of climate change. According to WHO (2021), in the next few years, it is important to first commit to the requirements of the Paris Agreement. WHO (2021) also emphasize the point of equity at the core of healthcare, addressing the argument against its universality. The next step is about adopting resilience and flexibility in the current systems and, being ready for the changing health situation, managing the uncertainty of the predictions. According to WHO (2021), this resilience can be achieved by transforming the energy sector with sustainable, renewable, and reliable sources. Another necessary change is transportation, which needs to be efficient, sanitary, and mobile. The most significant transformation is the economic sector, as Girard and Nocca (2020) proses, need to adopt a circular model with limited and sustainable growth. This change will also influence human impact on nature. For example, deforestation will decrease and consequent animal habitat loss that carries different infectious to human diseases.
Conclusion
To conclude, there is persistence from one side of the argument that sweeping change across sectors is necessary to combat the health risks due to climate change. However, there is another side of the argument that climate change is not the central problem within the healthcare context. Moreover, there are now technologies developed in response to changing environmental trends and patterns, which contribute to ongoing progress and adaptation of society. Considering both sides of the argument is essential because a neutral perspective will be the one to provide the most reliable conclusions and facilitate overall positive change that depends on evidence rather than radical statements. Furthermore, it seems that there are several points on which both sides would agree. Specifically, the significance of change that has occurred in the contexts of technology, global climate, and healthcare over the past couple of decades is undeniable for both participants of the debate. Namely, the fact that multiple new health issues have emerged and become the source of numerous concerns in the healthcare environment can be regarded as the area of concern for the opponents. Therefore, both parties are likely to agree that current public health issues are to be addressed promptly, preferably with the help of the latest technological innovations. Thus, even though certain areas remain quite contentious, with very few opportunities for building a common ground, both groups seem to agree on other issues. For this reason, it would be best to seek for further options for collaboration and respectful discussions.
References
Charlson, F., Ali, S., Augustinavicius, J., Benmarhnia, T., Birch, S., Clayton, S., Fielding, K., Jones, L., Juma, D., Snider, L., & Ugo, V. (2022). Global priorities for climate change and mental health research. Environment International, 158, 106984. Web.
Dhimal, M., Bhandari, D., Dhimal, M.L., Kafle, N., Pyakurel, P., Mahotra, N., Akhtar, S., Ismail, T.I., Dhiman, R.C., Groneberg, D.A., & Shrestha, U.B. (2021). Impact of climate change on health and well-being of people in Hindu-Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, 1139. Web.
Girard, L. F., & Nocca, F. (2020). Climate change and health impacts in urban areas: Towards hybrid evaluation tools for new governance. Atmosphere, 11(12), 1344. Web.
Kwon, H. J. (2020). Climate change and health: More research is still needed. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, 53(1), 1-2.
Nicholas, P. K., Breakey, S., McKinnon, S., Eddy, E. Z., Fanuele, J., & Starodub, R. (2021). A climate: A tool for assessment of climate-change-related health consequences in the emergency department. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 47(4), 532-542. Web.
World Health Organization. (2021). COP26 Special report on climate change and health: The health argument for climate action. Web.