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Aris P, Panagiotis, Giorgos, Spyros, 1st EPAL Nafpaktou

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Aris P, Panagiotis, Giorgos, Spyros, 1st EPAL Nafpaktou

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Climate change alters habitats and behaviors of vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, expanding disease transmission areas. Diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease are most affected. Challenges include increased surveillance, adapting control strategies, limited resources, and educating vulnerable populations

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Climate change will affect human health in many ways—mostly adversely.

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The essay is not very analytical about the main pollutants that deteriorate air quality due to climate change. I will say ground level ozone, particulate matter release from wildfires/fossil fuels combustion, methane, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides.

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Regarding the way that the habitats and the behaviors of vectors are affected by climate change, the rising temperatures can help them survive reproduce in regions that were previously too cold for them (ie Aedes aegypti - the yellow fever mosquito). The active seasons are extended and warmer temperatures result in longer breeding and feeding seasons for vectors, increasing the time they can spread diseases. Also, increaased rainfall can create more stagnant water, providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes, while drought conditions may force some vectors to adapt to drier conditions, potentially increasing interactions with humans.

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How climate change affects vector-borne diseases | News | Wellcome

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As climate change alters temperatures and weather patterns around the world, the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus will increase. Here’s what that means for global health and what can be done to limit the damage.

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Here are presented our findings while verificating the info in the generated essay.

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Diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, transmitted by specific mosquitoes are appearing in higher altitudes and latitudes, with outbreaks now reported in previously unaffected regions such as Europe. Similarly, Lyme disease, transmitted by Ixodes ticks, is spreading due to warmer winters and extended active seasons for ticks. Other diseases (Zika virus, chikungunya, West Nile virus) are thriving under conditions of increased rainfall and rising temperatures, while sandfly-transmitted leishmaniasis and mosquito-borne Rift Valley fever are emerging in new areas following heavy rainfall and flooding.

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Vectors

Vectors are living organisms that can transmit infectious pathogens between humans, or from animals to humans. Many of these vectors are bloodsucking insects, which ingest disease-producing microorganisms during a blood meal from an infected host (human or animal) and later transmit it into a new host, after the pathogen has replicated. Often, once a vector becomes infectious, they are capable of transmitting the pathogen for the rest of their life during each subsequent bite/blood meal.

Vector-borne diseases

Vector-borne diseases are human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by vectors. Every year there are more than 700,000 deaths from diseases such as malaria, dengue, schistosomiasis, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and onchocerciasis.

The burden of these diseases is highest in tropical and subtropical areas, and they disproportionately affect the poorest populations. Since 2014, major outbreaks of dengue, malaria, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika have afflicted populations, claimed lives, and overwhelmed health systems in many countries. Other diseases such as Chikungunya, leishmaniasis and lymphatic filariasis cause chronic suffering, life-long morbidity, disability and occasional stigmatisation.

Distribution of vector-borne diseases is determined by a complex set of demographic, environmental and social factors. Global travel and trade, unplanned urbanization, and en

List of vector-borne diseases, according to their vector

The following table is a non-exhaustive list of vector-borne disease, ordered according to the vector by which it is transmitted. The list also illustrates the type of pathogen that causes the disease in humans.

The " Global Vector Control Response (GVCR) 2017-2030" was approved by the World Health Assembly in 2017. It provides strategic guidance to countries and development partners for urgent strengthening of vector control as a fundamental approach to preventing disease and responding to outbreaks. To achieve this a re-alignment of vector control programmes is required, supported by increased technical capacity, improved infrastructure, strengthened monitoring and surveillance systems, and greater community mobilization. Ultimately, this will support implementation of a comprehensive approach to vector control that will enable the achievement of disease-specific national and global goals and contribute to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.

WHO Secretariat provides strategic, normative and technical guidance to countries and development partners for strengthening vector control as a fundamental approach based on GVCR to preventing disease and responding to outbreaks. Specifically WHO responds to vector-borne diseases by:

providing evidence-based guidance for controlling vectors and protecting people against infection;

providing technical support to countries so that they can effectively manage cases and outbreaks;

supporting countries to improve their reporting systems and capture the true burden of the disease;

providing training (capacity building) on clinical management, diagnosis and vector control with support from some of its collaborating centres; and

supporting the development and evaluation of new tools, technologies and approaches for vector-borne diseases, including vector control and disease management technologies.

A crucial element in reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases is behavioural change. WHO works with partners to provide education and improve public awareness, so that people know how to protect themselves and their communities from mosquitoes, ticks, bugs, flies and other vectors.

Access to water and sanitation is a very important factor in disease control and elimination. WHO works together with many different government sectors to improve water storage, sanitation, thereby helping to control these diseases at the community level.

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Vector-borne diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens and parasites in human populations. WHO works with partners to provide education and improve awareness so that people know how to protect themselves and their communities from mosquitoes, ticks, bugs, flies and other vectors.

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Climate change impacts agricultural productivity by altering temperature, precipitation patterns and the frequency of extreme weather events. Rising temperatures can cause heat stress, reducing crop yields, while irregular rainfall leads to droughts, floods and soil degradation. Extreme weather events (heatwaves, storms) disrupt planting and harvesting cycles and damage infrastructure. Additionally, climate change fosters the spread of pests and diseases into new regions, increasing crop losses. Livestock production is also affected, with heat stress reducing productivity and extreme weather diminishing grazing land quality.

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On This Page:

Overview

Agriculture is an important sector of the U.S. economy. The crops, livestock, and seafood produced in the United States contribute more than $300 billion to the economy each year. When food-service and other agriculture-related industries are included, the agricultural and food sectors contribute more than $750 billion to the gross domestic product.

Agriculture and fisheries are highly dependent on the climate. Increases in temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) can increase some crop yields in some places. But to realize these benefits, nutrient levels, soil moisture, water availability, and other conditions must also be met. Changes in the frequency and severity of droughts and floods could pose challenges for farmers and ranchers and threaten food safety. Meanwhile, warmer water temperatures are likely to cause the habitat ranges of many fish and shellfish species to shift, which could disrupt ecosystems. Overall, climate change could make it more difficult to grow crops, raise animals, and catch fish in the same ways and same places as we have done in the past. The effects of climate change also need to be considered along with other evolving factors that affect agricultural production, such as changes in farming practices and technology.

Impacts on Crops

Crops grown in the United States are critical for the food supply here and around the world. U.S. farms supply nearly 25% of all grains (such as wheat, corn, and rice) on the global market.[4] Changes in temperature, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO ₂), and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather could have significant impacts on crop yields.

For any particular crop, the effect of increased temperature will depend on the crop's optimal temperature for growth and reproduction. In some areas, warming may benefit the types of crops that are typically planted there, or allow farmers to shift to crops that are currently grown in warmer areas. Conversely, if the higher temperature exceeds a crop's optimum temperature, yields will decline.

Higher CO₂ levels can affect crop yields. Some laboratory experiments suggest that elevated CO₂ levels can increase plant growth. However, other factors, such as changing temperatures, ozone, and water and nutrient constraints, may counteract these potential increases in yield. For example, if temperature exceeds a crop's optimal level, if sufficient water and nutrients are not available, yield increases may be reduced or reversed. Elevated CO₂ has been associated with reduced protein and nitrogen content in alfalfa and soybean plants, resulting in a loss of quality. Reduced grain and forage quality can reduce the ability of pasture and rangeland to support grazing livestock.

More extreme temperature and precipitation can prevent crops from growing. Extreme events, especially floods and droughts, can harm crops and reduce yields. For example, in 2010 and 2012, high nighttime temperatures affected corn yields across the U.S. Corn Belt, and premature budding due to a warm winter caused $220 million in losses of Michigan cherries in 2012.

Dealing with drought could become a challenge in areas where rising summer temperatures cause soils to become drier. Although increased irrigation might be possible in some places, in other places water supplies may also be reduced, leaving less water available for irrigation when more is needed.

Many weeds, pests, and fungi thrive under warmer temperatures, wetter climates, and increased CO₂ levels. Currently, U.S. farmers spend more than $11 billion per year to fight weeds, which compete with crops for light, water, and nutrients. The ranges and distribution of weeds and pests are likely to increase with climate change. This could cause new problems for farmers' crops previously unexposed to these species.

Though rising CO₂ can stimulate plant growth, it also reduces the nutritional value of most food crops. Rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide reduce the concentrations of protein and essential minerals in most plant species, including wheat, soybeans, and rice. This direct effect of rising CO₂ on the nutritional value of crops represents a potential threat to human health. Human health is also threatened by increased pesticide use due to increased pest pressures and reductions in the efficacy of pesticides.

Impacts on Livestock

Americans consume more than 36 million metric tons of meat and poultry annually. Livestock and poultry account for over half of U.S. agricultural cash receipts, often over $100 billion per year. Changes in climate could affect animals both directly and indirectly.

Heat waves, which are projected to increase under climate change, could directly threaten livestock. In 2011, exposure to high temperature events caused over $1 billion in heat-related losses to agricultural producers. Heat stress affects animals both directly and indirectly. Over time, heat stress can increase vulnerability to disease, reduce fertility, and reduce milk production.

Drought may threaten pasture and feed supplies. Drought reduces the amount of quality forage available to grazing livestock. Some areas could experience longer, more intense droughts, resulting from higher summer temperatures and reduced precipitation. For animals that rely on grain, changes in crop production due to drought could also become a problem.

Climate change may increase the prevalence of parasites and diseases that affect livestock. The earlier onset of spring and warmer winters could allow some parasites and pathogens to survive more easily. In areas with increased rainfall, moisture-reliant pathogens could thrive.

Potential changes in veterinary practices, including an increase in the use of parasiticides and other animal health treatments, are likely to be adopted to maintain livestock health in response to climate-induced changes in pests, parasites, and microbes. This could increase the risk of pesticides entering the food chain or lead to evolution of pesticide resistance, with subsequent implications for the safety, distribution, and consumption of livestock and aquaculture products.

Increases in carbon dioxide (CO₂) may increase the productivity of pastures, but may also decrease their quality. Increases in atmospheric CO₂ can increase the productivity of plants on which livestock feed. However, the quality of some of the forage found in pasturelands decreases with higher CO₂. As a result, cattle would need to eat more to get the same nutritional benefits.

Impacts on Fisheries

American fishermen catch or harvest five million metric tons of fish and shellfish each year. U.S. fisheries contribute more than $1.55 billion to the economy annually (as of 2012). Many fisheries already face multiple stresses, including overfishing and water pollution. Climate change may worsen these stresses. In particular, temperature changes could lead to significant impacts.

The ranges of many fish and shellfish species may change. In waters off the northeastern United States, several economically important species have shifted northward since the late 1960s. The three species shown in [the figure to the left] (American lobster, red hake, and black sea bass) have moved northward by an average of 119 miles.

Many aquatic species can find colder areas of streams and lakes or move north along the coast or in the ocean. Nevertheless, moving into new areas may put these species into competition with other species over food and other resources, as explained on the Ecosystems Impacts page.

Some marine disease outbreaks have been linked with changing climate. Higher water temperatures and higher estuarine salinities have enabled an oyster parasite to spread farther north along the Atlantic coast. Winter warming in the Arctic is contributing to salmon diseases in the Bering Sea and a resulting reduction in the Yukon Chinook Salmon, Finally, warmer temperatures have caused disease outbreaks in coral, eelgrass, and abalone.

Changes in temperature and seasons can affect the timing of reproduction and migration. Many steps within an aquatic animal's lifecycle are controlled by temperature and the changing of the seasons. For example, in the Northwest warmer water temperatures may affect the lifecycle of salmon and increase the likelihood of disease. Combined with other climate impacts, these effects are projected to lead to large declines in salmon populations.

In addition to warming, the world's oceans are gradually becoming more acidic due to increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO ₂). Increasing acidity could harm shellfish by weakening their shells, which are created by removing calcium from seawater. Acidification also threatens the structures of sensitive ecosystems upon which some fish and shellfish rely.

International Impacts

Climate change is very likely to affect food security at the global, regional, and local level. Climate change can disrupt food availability, reduce access to food, and affect food quality. For example, projected increases in temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, changes in extreme weather events, and reductions in water availability may all result in reduced agricultural productivity. Increases in the frequency and severity extreme weather events can also interrupt food delivery, and resulting spikes in food prices after extreme events are expected to be more frequent in the future. Increasing temperatures can contribute to spoilage and contamination.

Internationally, these effects of climate change on agriculture and food supply are likely to be similar to those seen in the United States. However, other stressors such as population growth may magnify the effects of climate change on food security. In developing countries, adaptation options like changes in crop-management or ranching practices, or improvements to irrigation are more limited than in the United States and other industrialized nations.

Any climate-related disturbance to food distribution and transport, internationally or domestically, may have significant impacts not only on safety and quality but also on food access. For example, the food transportation system in the United States frequently moves large volumes of grain by water. In the case of an extreme weather event affecting a waterway, there are few, if any, alternate pathways for transport. High temperatures and a shortage of rain in the summer of 2012 led to one of the most severe summer droughts the nation has seen and posed serious impacts to the Mississippi River watershed, a major transcontinental shipping route for Midwestern agriculture. This drought resulted in significant food and economic losses due to reductions in barge traffic, the volume of goods carried, and the number of Americans employed by the tugboat industry. The 2012 drought was immediately followed by flooding throughout the Mississippi in the spring of 2013, which also resulted in disruptions of barge traffic and food transport. Transportation changes such as these reduce the ability of farmers to export their grains to international markets, and can affect global food prices.

Impacts to the global food supply concern the United States because food shortages can cause humanitarian crises and national security concerns. They also can increase domestic food prices.

References
[6] CCSP (2008). The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity in the United States. A Report by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the Subcommittee on Global Change Research. Backlund, P., A. Janetos, D. Schimel, J. Hatfield, K. Boote, P. Fay, L. Hahn, C. Izaurralde, B.A. Kimball, T. Mader, J. Morgan, D. Ort, W. Polley, A. Thomson, D. Wolfe, M. Ryan, S. Archer, R. Birdsey, C. Dahm, L. Heath, J. Hicke, D. Hollinger, T. Huxman, G. Okin, R. Oren, J. Randerson, W. Schlesinger, D. Lettenmaier, D. Major, L. Poff, S. Running, L. Hansen, D. Inouye, B.P. Kelly, L Meyerson, B. Peterson, and R. Shaw. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA. [8] USDA (2012). 2012 Census of Agriculture: Volume 1, Chapter 1: U.S. National Level Data, Table 33. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply

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Agriculture is an important sector of the U.S. economy. The crops, livestock, and seafood produced in the United States contribute more than $300 billion to the economy each year. When food-service and other agriculture-related industries are included, the agricultural and food sectors contribute more than $750 billion to the gross domestic product.

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This essay explains how climate change affects food security and nutrition and it matches with what experts say. It disrupts farming, causing lower crop and livestock production, especially in regions like South Asia, leading to food shortages, higher prices and less access to healthy food. Climate change makes crops less nutritious, worsening malnutrition and risking stunted growth for millions of children by 2050. To address this, we need climate-resistant crops and sustainable farming practices to protect food supplies all over the world.

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BENGALURU, India (AP) - Unpredictable rains and increasing heat aren't just making life more difficult for the people of Rayanpet, a village in India's arid south. They're also taking a toll on the thousands of acres of rice grown here.

"We used to know when it would rain and for how long and we sowed our seeds accordingly," said P. Ravinder Reddy, a former soldier who turned to farming on his family's land 16 years ago. "Now it's so unpredictable and many times the seeds don't sprout either because there's too much rain or it's completely dry."

Fortunately for Reddy, agricultural research organizations in India have been working for years to engineer rice seeds that can better withstand the vagaries of climate. He's been experimenting with the new varieties for the past five years, and said they're giving better yields with less water and are more disease-resistant.

"I have planted them across a quarter of my 25-acre field because there's still demand for older varieties but I think in a few years, we will use only these tougher seeds," Reddy said.

India is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of wheat and rice. Research organizations here, like their counterparts around the world, have long worked to produce seeds that increase yields, withstand drought or resist plant diseases. It's a growing need as a changing climate leads to more extreme and unpredictable weather.

According to a United Nations report released earlier this year, more than 700 million people went hungry last year and over a third of the global population is unable to afford a healthy diet, thus increasing the urgency for resilient seeds that can produce food reliably. Apart from India, other programs including a United States government program and privately funded projects are helping develop climate-resilient crops in Africa, Central America and other Asian countries.

As India is among the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts, these new seeds are essential in ensuring it produces enough food for its people as well as for export.

Defending against climate shocks

As climate change intensifies, India's nearly 120 million farmers - most with less than 5 acres of land - are seeing their livelihoods threatened by erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and increased pest infestations.

Some are taking to what is called natural farming - techniques like using natural fertilizers and planting crops alongside trees and other plants that can protect crops from wind, erosion and some extreme weather - to deal with climate change. But that can mean reduced yields, and India's federal government is also promoting the use of climate-resilient seeds that don't compromise yields.

Increasing salinity in groundwater, heavy rainfall over short periods, prolonged droughts and even increasing nighttime temperatures can affect rice seeds, experts say.

"We really need these seeds to deal with these multiple issues created by global warming," said Ashok Kumar Singh, former director of New Delhi-based Indian Agriculture Research Institute and a scientist who specializes in plant genetics and breeding. Singh has overseen the creation of multiple successful rice varieties to withstand pests and various plant diseases. And his organization, with funding from the federal agriculture ministry, has released more than 2,000 climate-resilient seed varieties in the last decade.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released 109 climate-resilient seeds across crops that included cereals, pulses and oilseeds like peanuts. India's federal government has announced plans to ensure at least 25% of land tilled for paddy in the country will be sowed with climate-resilient seeds in the coming "kharif" or winter crop season.

"We are breeding for multiple stressors, including heat and disease resistance," said Janila Pasupuleti of International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, based in Hyderabad. Pasupuleti said that this approach not only stabilizes yields but also enhances the nutritional quality of crops, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

Logistical issues that need ironing out

Even as scientists are creating climate-resilient seeds regularly, making sure the seeds reach the maximum number of farmers is critical.

Ensuring that farmers know about such seeds, can afford them, and are trained to use them properly is as important as creating the seeds, said Aditi Mukherji, director for climate change adaptation and mitigation at the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research and an author of several United Nations climate reports.

Mukherji noted that India's green revolution in agriculture, which took place in the 1960s when agriculture was modernized to ensure food security and increase yields of food grains such as wheat and rice across the country, succeeded because such services were available and well-coordinated by state and federal governments at that time.

Agriculture scientists also say there's a need for more funding for research and development - equivalent to at least 1% of the agricultural gross domestic product, said Singh, the agriculture scientist.

In Rayanpet village, Reddy is preparing to sow rice seeds for the winter season in a few weeks, and says he hopes to expand the area that gets the climate-resilient seeds.

"It's good to keep trying new seeds as after some time all of them will have some issue or the other. If the government can also make sure we get good prices for our crops after harvest, that would help farmers like us a great deal," he said.

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The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at .

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In India, warming climate pressures scientists to keep developing tougher seeds

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India is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of wheat and rice, but extreme weather is taking a toll on these vital crops.

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The explanation in the essay aligns with experts analyses about climate change and its contribution to biodiversity loss by altering habitats and disrupting ecosystems. Rising temperatures, change in the precipitation patterns and frequent extreme weather events threaten the survival of many species. This leads to local species loss, diseases and mass mortality of plants and animals, resulting in climate-driven extinctions. Experts estimate that about 30% of species have been globally threatened or driven to extinction since the year 1500, with climate change being a major contributing factor.

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Drought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024

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The Amazon rainforest staggered through another difficult year in 2024.

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https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-benefit-category-biodiversity-conservation

In order to protect biodiversity and keep ecosystems healthy, we need to conserve natural habitats, restore damaged areas like forests and wetlands and use resources in a sustainable way. Environmental laws, protected areas and actions to fight climate change, such as using renewable energy, are also important. Involving local communities in these efforts is key, as they play an important role in caring for the environment. This way we will ensure that ecosystems can continue supporting life and providing essential services.

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Urban heat islands are areas in cities that are warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities, such as the extensive use of asphalt and limited green spaces. These elevated temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and cardiovascular stress, especially during heatwaves. The elderly, the children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are mostly affected. Additionally, poorer air quality can worsen respiratory conditions, amplifying health risks.

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LONDON, June 19 (Reuters) - With extreme heat gripping much of the Northern Hemisphere this week, authorities and public health experts have issued heat warnings to help keep people safe.

Parts of China, India, the Middle East, southern Europe and the United States are bracing for the possibility of new record highs.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS?

Heat affects health in several ways.

Heat exhaustion, which can include dizziness, headaches, shaking and thirst, can affect anyone, and is not usually serious, providing the person cools down within 30 minutes.

The more serious version is heatstroke, when the body's core temperature goes above 40.6 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit). It is a medical emergency and can lead to long-term organ damage and death. Symptoms include rapid breathing, confusion or seizures, and nausea.

As climate change continues to drive temperatures upward in coming years, the danger of humidity is also expected to rise. Warmer air can hold more moisture. And more moisture in the air makes it harder for people to sweat to cool down.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Some people are more vulnerable, including young babies and older people, as well as people who must stay active or are more exposed, such as homeless people.

Existing conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes, can also heighten risk - and be exacerbated by heat.

Many countries do not record heat as a specific cause of death, which means we do not have statistics to gauge this risk on communities.

However, a 2021 study, opens new tab in The Lancet estimated that just under a half-million deaths can be attributed to excess heat every year - a conservative count that lacks data from many low-income countries.

Many in Europe fear a repeat of the 2022 summer, during which heatwaves killed an estimated 61,000 people, scientists said.

The risks will continue to rise as climate change pushes global temperatures even higher in coming decades.

LESS OBVIOUS RISKS

Apart from testing a body's internal thermostat, extreme heat can pose a host of other, secondary risks.

Warmer temperatures encourage the growth of bacteria and algae. So heatwaves can raise the risk of water being contaminated with diseases like cholera, or of water bodies becoming choked with toxic algae.

Heat can also damage crops, adding to concerns about food security.

Starting from 2030, experts expect that global death tolls will increase by 250,000 per year as a result of four climate-related health risks: heat stress, malnutrition associated with food insecurity, malaria, and diarrhoea, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Wildfires fueled by dried-out trees or shrubs can lead to dangerous levels of air pollution, which can cause lung inflammation and tissue damage.

Studies have also suggested that both extreme heat as well as exposure to wildfire smoke could also be linked with low birthweight and premature births.

Heat stress can also contribute to poorer mental health. Rising night-time temperatures can disrupt, opens new tab people's sleep patterns, worsening mental health outcomes.

TIMING MATTERS

Experts say more deaths occur earlier in the summer when people's bodies have not had a chance to acclimatize to the season.

Location matters, too; people are at higher risk in places where they are not used to such heat, including parts of Europe.

As outdoor work becomes dangerous amid high temperatures, some countries and communities have shuttered schools or forced a shortening of daytime work hours for businesses.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Public health agencies from India to the United States have issued advice on keeping cool, including avoiding exertion where possible and staying hydrated.

Authorities often aim to help by setting up cooling centers, distributing extra water or providing free access to air-conditioned public transport.

Workers should think about having more breaks and changing their clothing too, scientists said.

It is important to check in on the vulnerable, including older and isolated people, they said.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate professional attention.

Sign up here.

Reporting by Jennifer Rigby and Gloria Dickie; Editing by Katy Daigle and Marguerita Choy

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Jen is the Global Health Correspondent at Reuters, covering everything from pandemics to the rise of obesity worldwide. Since joining the news agency in 2022, her award-winning work includes coverage of gender-affirming care for adolescents in the UK and a global investigation with colleagues into how contaminated cough syrup killed hundreds of children in Africa and Asia. She previously worked at the Telegraph newspaper and Channel 4 News in the UK, and spent time as a freelancer in Myanmar and the Czech Republic.

Gloria Dickie reports on climate and environmental issues for Reuters. She is based in London. Her interests include biodiversity loss, Arctic science, the cryosphere, international climate diplomacy, climate change and public health, and human-wildlife conflict. She previously worked as a freelance environmental journalist for 7 years, writing for publications such as the New York Times, the Guardian, Scientific American, and Wired magazine. Dickie was a 2022 finalist for the Livingston Awards for Young Journalists in the international reporting category for her climate reporting from Svalbard. She is also an author at W.W. Norton.

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How extreme heat threatens health and safety

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With extreme heat gripping much of the Northern Hemisphere this week, authorities and public health experts have issued heat warnings to help keep people safe.

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Sustainable urban planning strategies help mitigate the health effects of climate change by incorporating green spaces and energy-efficient buildings. These solutions reduce heat, improve air quality and promote well-being. Moreover sustainable transport or renewable energy sources reduce pollution and enhance resilience to extreme weather, creating healthier urban environments. I attach you an interesting scientific article

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Climate change affects health through extreme weather, air pollution, vector-borne diseases, food insecurity, water scarcity, while mitigation requires emissions reduction and adaptation strategies.

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Climate change has a profound impact on agricultural productivity, influencing crop yields, livestock, and food security. Its effects vary by region, crop type, and farming practices but can be broadly categorized as follows:

Temperature Changes

Changes in Precipitation Patterns

Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather

Elevated Carbon Dioxide Levels

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Sustainable urban planning strategies can play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse health effects of climate change. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Urban Greening: Increasing green spaces such as parks, gardens, and green roofs can help reduce urban heat islands, improve air quality, and provide residents with spaces for physical activity and relaxation2.

2. Public Transportation: Developing efficient and accessible public transportation systems can reduce reliance on private vehicles, thereby decreasing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Mixed Land Use: Encouraging mixed land use can reduce the need for long commutes, promote walkability, and enhance community cohesion.

4. Green Building Practices: Implementing green building standards and promoting energy-efficient buildings can reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality.

5. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Designing infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves, can protect public health and safety2.

6. Community Engagement: Involving communities in planning processes ensures that their needs and concerns are addressed, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for sustainable practices.

7. Urban Form and Structure: Planning cities with compact, walkable neighborhoods can reduce the need for car travel and promote healthier lifestyles.

By integrating these strategies, cities can create healthier, more resilient environments that are better equipped to handle the challenges posed by climate change. 🌍

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Urbanization and climate change pose several health risks:

1. Air Pollution: Increases respiratory and heart diseases, worsened by rising temperatures.

2. Heat Stress: Higher city temperatures lead to heat-related illnesses, intensified by climate change.

3. Vector-Borne Diseases: Urban areas can spread diseases like malaria and dengue, exacerbated by climate shifts.

4. Water and Sanitation: Overcrowding and floods increase the risk of waterborne diseases.

5. Mental Health: Stress, overcrowding, and climate disasters worsen mental health.

6. Food Insecurity: Disrupted food systems and climate change heighten food shortages.

7. Displacement: Climate-induced migration strains urban infrastructure and health systems.

8. Social Inequities: Vulnerable groups face more health risks and limited access to care.

9. Chronic Diseases: Sedentary urban lifestyles and climate change worsen conditions like obesity and diabetes.

Improved urban planning and climate adaptation are key to addressing these risks.

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What are the health risks associated with urbanization in the context of climate change?

Urbanization in the context of climate change increases health risks like heat-related illnesses, air and water pollution, vector-borne diseases, mental health issues, and food insecurity, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

How do urban heat islands exacerbate heat-related illnesses?

Urban heat islands exacerbate heat-related illnesses by trapping heat in cities due to concrete, asphalt, and limited vegetation, causing higher temperatures and prolonged heat exposure that increase the risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and cardiovascular stress.

What sustainable urban planning strategies can mitigate the adverse health effects of climate change?

Sustainable urban planning strategies such as increasing green spaces, implementing cool roofs and urban forests, improving public transport, and enhancing water management can mitigate the adverse health effects of climate change by reducing heat, improving air quality, and promoting physical activity.

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Climate change accelerates biodiversity loss by disrupting ecosystems and species' habitats. Biodiversity loss directly impacts human health by increasing disease transmission and reducing medicinal resources.Conservation efforts such as protecting habitats, sustainable management, and climate mitigation are vital for ecosystem health and human well-being.

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Climate change drives biodiversity loss by altering habitats, disrupting ecosystems, and forcing species to adapt or migrate. This loss impacts human health both directly, by reducing medicinal resources and food security, and indirectly, by weakening ecosystem services like clean water and air. Crucial conservation efforts include protecting habitats, reducing deforestation, and addressing climate change to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem health.

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The main pollutants that get worse because of climate change are ozone, particulate matter (PM), and toxic substances like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). Based to my verification results:

1. Ozone (O₃) levels can spike during heatwaves, irritating the lungs and airways. It can cause coughing, asthma attacks, and shortness of breath.

2. Particulate Matter comes from car exhaust, wildfires, factories, construction sites, and even burning wood or trash. Rising temperatures and droughts cause more wildfires and dry conditions, which release huge amounts of PM into the air. They’re linked to lung cancer, asthma, heart attacks, and strokes.

3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) comes mainly from vehicle engines, power plants, and industrial activities that burn fossil fuels. Hot weather increases energy demand (like air conditioning), which means more fossil fuels get burned. Also, stagnant air during heatwaves makes NO₂ linger longer.Thus climate change makes it worse.

Breathing in NO₂ can irritate your lungs and make asthma worse. Long-term exposure can reduce lung function and increase the risk of respiratory infections.

4. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) mostly comes from coal-burning power plants, ships, and some industrial processes like metal smelting. It still spikes during wildfires and volcanic activity, both of which are influenced by climate change and causes breathing problems, especially for people with asthma. It also reacts with water in the air to form acid rain, which damages ecosystems and buildings.

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What are the psychological and social impacts of living in areas with poor air quality?

Poor air quality doesn’t just affect the body—it also affects the mind and community life.

It can lead to stress, anxiety, and mental health issues because people constantly worry about their health.

Families in polluted areas often face higher medical bills, missed work, and lower quality of life.

Over time, this can weaken community connections and make people feel isolated or frustrated with their situation.

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To protect biodiversity and support human well-being, we need to act locally and globallyso to protect and restore habitats (forests, coral reefs, wetlands) so species can thrive and strengthen wildlife protection laws to stop poaching, overfishing, and habitat destruction. We could also create protected areas (national parks, reserves) where ecosystems are safe from industry and development and promote more the sustainable agriculture and forestry to reduce harm to ecosystems. Last but not least, it's crucial to educate and engage communities so people can be part of the solution, especially youth and Indigenous groups.

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Climate change creates unstable growing conditions, which directly affect how much food farmers can produce, resulting to less food, lower-quality crops, and increased farming costs.

Climate change puts food security at risk, especially in poorer countries and even more in children and pregnant women.

Sustainable farming protects the planet and helps farmers adapt to climate change. Some solutions include: crop rotation & mixed farming, efficient irrigation, natural pest control, planting of trees, use of climate-smart technology.