The year 2024 marked the highest global temperatures ever recorded on Earth, according to AP News. The temperature exceeded the crucial 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit established by the Paris Agreement. This rise threatens extreme weather, causes rising sea levels, and leads to ecological disruption. Hence, there is an urgent need to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Unsurprisingly, climate change has evolved into a public health crisis, affecting families through worsening air quality and shifting disease patterns. The risks of respiratory illnesses, heat-related disorders, and mental health issues from climate disasters are now pressing realities. Understanding the link between climate change and health is crucial for protecting the well-being of our loved ones.
Escalating Health Crisis Driven by Climate Change
The health effects of climate change are multifaceted and often hidden in plain sight. From air quality to mental health, its impact reaches families in deeply personal ways.
The Worsening Air Quality
Air pollution is a pressing issue. With 27 billion-dollar climate disasters occurring in the U.S. last year, 2025 shows no signs of relief. According to Scripps News, wildfires in Southern California signal a troubling beginning to the year. While NASA reported temperatures near 1.5 degrees, the Copernicus team recorded higher figures, reaching up to 1.6 degrees.
The World Health Organization confirms that 99% of the population across the world breathes air exceeding their standard limits. Rising emissions and frequent wildfires contribute to respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. It affects millions of people in the U.S., notes the EPA. Poor air quality is especially harmful to children, who are more vulnerable due to their developing lungs.
Problems of the Rising Heat
Heatwaves, a byproduct of climate change, are responsible for a surge in heat-related illnesses. Major contributors to this warming, according to UN Reports, include the accumulation of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel combustion. The 2024 El Niño phenomenon further intensified the rise in global temperatures. Experts warn that continued emissions will exacerbate climate impacts, making severe weather patterns more frequent and harmful.
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat increases cases of dehydration, heatstroke, and cardiovascular strain. Vulnerable populations (children, pregnant women, and the elderly) are most at risk, highlighting the need for targeted healthcare interventions.
Festering Vector-Borne Diseases
Diseases spread by insects and rodents, known as vector-borne diseases, are also on the rise. Warmer climates have broadened the range of ticks, mosquitoes, and other vectors of disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Lyme disease is primarily spread by ticks. Its incidence has increased in the northeastern United States over the last twenty years.
Similarly, tropical diseases like dengue fever are appearing in regions where they were previously unheard of. Eventually, such scenarios pose new challenges for family healthcare providers.
The Mental Health Strain
Beyond physical health, the mental health toll of climate change cannot be ignored. A 2024 study highlighted that natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, and wildfires) leave survivors grappling with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The mental strain of displacement, loss of property, and uncertainty about the future affect low-income families and those with limited support. Addressing mental health as part of family care has become a major priority.
The Unseen Vulnerabilities in Children, Seniors, and Low-Income Families
Certain groups bear the brunt of climate-related health issues more than others. Interpreting such vulnerabilities is essential for optimal care.
- Children: They are uniquely at risk due to their developing immune systems and smaller bodies. They are more susceptible to pollutants, waterborne diseases, and heat. Additionally, climate-induced crop failures and food shortages can lead to malnutrition, further compromising their growth and health.
- Older adults: For them, the stakes are equally high. Heatwaves disproportionately impact seniors, explains the Center for American Progress, as their bodies are less efficient at regulating temperature. Chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes are often exacerbated by extreme weather, putting additional strain on healthcare systems and caregivers.
- Low-income families: There are compounded challenges. Limited access to healthcare, clean water, and air filtration systems leaves them disproportionately vulnerable to climate-related illnesses. Recovery, too, is often slow as financial and social resources are scarce.
Adapting Family Healthcare to a Changing Climate
As climate-related health challenges grow, family nurses are becoming essential in addressing the health impacts of environmental changes. They support both individuals and families in managing these effects.
For example, they adjust care plans for chronic conditions, like tailoring asthma treatments during wildfire seasons. They also guide cardiovascular patients in managing heat-related stress, ensuring personalised care during environmental changes. Additionally, they provide practical guidance on mitigating risks, like staying hydrated during heatwaves or improving indoor air quality.
Distant programs, such as an online MSN FNP program, offer flexibility for family nurses to enhance their skills. These programs equip nurses to effectively address complex health issues arising from environmental and climate-related challenges. By building expertise in symptom management and patient education, these programs enable nurses to deliver care tailored to unique challenges.
Empowering Families for a Resilient Future
Addressing climate-driven health challenges requires both systemic change and individual empowerment. Families can take proactive steps by staying informed about local climate risks and advocating for sustainable policies. They should also ensure access to essential resources during emergencies to enhance preparedness and resilience.
Healthcare systems must adapt by embracing technologies like telemedicine to ensure care during extreme weather events. They must also adopt sustainable practices to minimise their environmental footprint.
Family nurses are invaluable in this process. According to Carson-Newman University, they are specially trained in advanced health assessment and pharmacology. With the right tools, policies, and community support, families can navigate the health challenges posed by climate change.
FAQs
What type of climate promotes optimal human health?
A temperate climate, characterised by moderate temperatures and low humidity, is generally considered optimal for human health. Such climates reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and respiratory issues linked to high humidity. They also minimise cold-related health problems. Additionally, temperate regions often support diverse food production, enhancing nutritional health.
In what ways is the healthcare sector impacted by climate change?
Climate change significantly impacts the healthcare industry by increasing patient demand and disrupting services. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, lead to a rise in heat-related illnesses and injuries, straining emergency departments. These events can damage healthcare infrastructure, causing service interruptions and supply chain disruptions.
How can family nurses help during climate disasters?
Family nurses are essential during climate disasters, providing comprehensive care to affected communities and individuals. They provide education on climate-related health risks. Further, they assist in managing chronic conditions and support families in creating disaster preparedness plans. Their role is vital in bridging healthcare and community resilience.
By recognising the interconnectedness of climate and health, we can work towards building a more resilient future. This ensures families are better equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing environment. The time to act is now.
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