Impact of Climate Change on Public Health in India
Climate change is not a future threat but a current crisis for public health in India. It influences a wide range of medical issues, intensifying existing diseases and introducing new health challenges.
Waterborne Diseases
- Frequent waterlogging due to excess rain in cities like Mumbai leads to diseases such as:
- Cholera
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Leptospirosis
- Drought-prone areas face increased diarrhoeal diseases and chronic dehydration due to worsening water scarcity.
Vector-borne Diseases
- Rising temperatures expand the habitat for mosquitoes, leading to:
- Changes in dengue patterns, with peaks shifting to November in Delhi-NCR.
- Increased malaria cases in cooler regions like Himachal Pradesh.
Air Pollution and Its Effects
- Increased air conditioning use raises PM2.5 levels, impacting:
- Lungs - causing respiratory issues like asthma.
- Heart - increasing risks of hypertension and stroke.
- Kidneys - impairing function and efficiency.
- Greenhouse gases create a feedback loop, worsening the crisis.
Heat Stress and Health Risks
- Heat stress increases cardiovascular strain, leading to:
- Hypertension
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Manual laborers and those without adequate shelter are most affected.
- Certain regions report rising heat-stroke-related deaths.
Impact on Food Systems and Nutrition
- Extreme weather disrupts agriculture, causing:
- Food shortages
- Micronutrient deficiencies
- Chronic malnutrition, especially in children
- Heat stress affects cattle, reducing milk production and compromising nutrition.
Recognizing climate change as a medical emergency is essential for effective response. Addressing the public health implications requires urgent action.
Authored by Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta
