The Escalating Health Crisis Linked to Climate Change
This article is republished from The Conversation and is republished here by permission. A significant policy shift occurred on February 12 when the Trump administration initiated proceedings to overturn the 2009 “endangerment finding.” This determination formally recognized that six key greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane released from burning fossil fuels, pose a threat to public health and overall well-being. However, dismissing the established health risks associated with climate change is not only inaccurate but also presents a serious danger to the health and safety of Americans.
As medical professionals, epidemiologists, and environmental health scientists, we have observed a growing body of evidence demonstrating the direct connection between a changing climate and adverse health outcomes. Understanding these risks is crucial for protecting communities and building a healthier future. The World Health Organization has consistently highlighted the growing threat of climate change to global health.
Rising Heat-Related Illnesses and Mortality
The phenomenon of extreme heat is becoming increasingly prevalent and dangerous. Greenhouse gases emitted from vehicles, power plants, and various industrial sources accumulate in the atmosphere, effectively trapping heat near the Earth's surface. This creates a "blanket" effect, leading to a rise in global temperatures and exposing more individuals to hazardous heat conditions more frequently.
While many minor heat illnesses are treatable, prolonged exposure, particularly without adequate hydration and cooling mechanisms, can be fatal. Vulnerable populations, including outdoor workers, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease, are disproportionately at risk. Globally, heat-related deaths have increased by 23% between the 1990s and the 2010s, resulting in over half a million fatalities annually. The devastating 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome tragically claimed hundreds of lives, serving as a stark reminder of the potential for catastrophic heat events.
Expanding Climate Risks: Extreme Weather and Air Quality
Climate scientists predict that numerous regions, including major U.S. cities like Miami, Houston, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, will experience a significant increase in the number of days with temperatures exceeding levels considered safe for human survival. Warmer air also holds more moisture, contributing to more intense rainfall, increased storm severity, and widespread flooding. The warmer ocean temperatures further fuel the development of more powerful hurricanes.
Flooding events, whether from hurricanes or other extreme storms, carry a multitude of health risks, including drownings, injuries, and contamination of water sources with pathogens and toxic chemicals. Cleanup efforts following floods also expose individuals to hazards like mold, injuries, and psychological distress. Beyond flooding, climate change exacerbates droughts, disrupting food supplies and triggering respiratory problems due to dust. The increased aridity also dries out forests and grasslands, creating conditions ripe for devastating wildfires.
The Impact of Air Pollution and Infectious Diseases
The combination of wildfires and other climate-related factors is significantly degrading air quality across the nation. Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of microscopic particles (PM2.5) and hazardous compounds like lead and formaldehyde, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and contribute to serious health problems. These smoke plumes can travel vast distances, triggering heart attacks and increasing the risk of lung cancer.
Simultaneously, warmer temperatures promote the formation of ground-level ozone, a known irritant to the heart and lungs. The combustion of fossil fuels further releases harmful air pollutants, contributing to a range of health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, asthma, and lung cancer. Furthermore, rising temperatures directly influence insect populations, increasing mosquito biting rates and accelerating the spread of disease agents. The emergence of mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever in states such as Florida, Texas, Hawaii, Arizona, and California, along with the first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus in New York, underscores this growing threat. Warmer temperatures also increase the risk of foodborne illnesses and water contamination, while drought conditions in the Southwest elevate the risk of valley fever, a fungal infection.
Addressing the Crisis: Policy and Public Health Solutions
The evidence linking climate change to adverse health outcomes has steadily strengthened since 2009, and is now undeniable. Studies consistently demonstrate that heat, air pollution, disease spread, and food insecurity, all exacerbated by climate change, are contributing to millions of deaths worldwide annually. This reality aligns with the lived experiences of many Americans who have suffered during heat waves, breathed wildfire smoke, or endured the aftermath of hurricanes.
Despite this overwhelming evidence, the Trump administration has disregarded the health risks of climate change and moved to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding, a cornerstone of many climate regulations. This action is part of a broader pattern of policies that undermine renewable energy and subsidize fossil fuel industries, further jeopardizing public health. The administration also weakened emissions standards for vehicles, a leading source of U.S. carbon emissions and a major contributor to air pollutants.
However, addressing climate change presents a unique opportunity to improve public health. Reducing the causes of climate change can simultaneously tackle some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. Cleaner vehicles and electricity lead to cleaner air and reduced respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Promoting walking and cycling through safe infrastructure encourages physical activity and lowers chronic disease risks. By prioritizing climate action, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future for all. To truly safeguard American health, the nation should reaffirm the findings of the endangerment determination and accelerate the transition to a clean, healthy energy future.
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