EH6092 - Unit 2 Lesson 2: Human Activities and Climate Change by Instructional Design @ UCC

Big food

eilis_oreilly — 2017-09-11 11:29:59 UTC

A picture paints a thousand words ...

Have a look down through this photo essay on big food. The treatment of the sows was particularly cruel.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/10/09/magazine/big-food-photo-essay.html?mcubz=3

Leo Varadkar focus on climate change

MeghanKearney — 2017-09-12 21:25:02 UTC

This article is a grim depiction of the path that Ireland is following in relation to climate control. The article is sensationalist but some of the facts are hard to ignore!
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/leo-varadkar-s-focus-on-climate-change-has-proved-shortlived-1.3173651

Titi

2017-09-14 04:35:43 UTC

Alberta’s tar sands produce some of the world’s dirtiest oil - 3-4 times as much greenhouse gas emissions per barrel as the production of regular crude oil.

Thanks to the rapidly rising emissions from the tar sands, upstream oil and gas is now the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. The tar sands alone spew out more CO2 than all the cars in the country combined.

This is interesting reading regarding food wastage and its effects on climate change and the environment http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3347e/i3347e.pdf

2017-09-15 13:53:14 UTC

Deforestation in South America

117222760 — 2017-09-15 17:00:18 UTC

This ongoing issue of deforestation of the Amazon is contributing to climate change. Large multinationals incentivise clearing forests for production of soy beans, palm oil and beef for export.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/24/business/energy-environment/deforestation-brazil-bolivia-south-america.html?mcubz=3

"Cowspiracy"

117222760 — 2017-09-15 17:13:39 UTC

Livestock-related emissions from agriculture (methane and nitrous oxide) are major contributors to Ireland’s CO2 emissions, according to the EPA website. Ireland’s big CO2 contributors are listed here: http://www.epa.ie/irelandsenvironment/climate/

On a related note has anyone seen “Cowspiracy”? :)
Slightly melodramatic trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV04zyfLyN4

Climate Hot Map

107306024 — 2017-09-17 01:26:22 UTC

I thought this was interesting. You can click on various parts of the map to find out the expected impacts of climate change on the area.
http://www.climatehotmap.org/

The Environmental Protection Agency's projected impacts of climate change for Ireland

107306024 — 2017-09-17 01:32:12 UTC

http://www.epa.ie/climate/communicatingclimatescience/whatisclimatechange/whatimpactwillclimatechangehaveforireland/

107306024 — 2017-09-17 01:41:41 UTC

7 species hit hard by climate change

107306024 — 2017-09-17 01:44:15 UTC

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/03/140331-global-warming-climate-change-ipcc-animals-science-environment/

What can happen when large carnivorous animals are forced into sharing spaces with humans.

107306024 — 2017-09-17 01:51:02 UTC

https://youtu.be/mFdudFBgeAY

1172277431 — 2017-09-17 05:35:46 UTC

www.empr.com/features/are-obesity-and-climate-change-connected/article/321099/

cook county Illinois sweetened beverage ta

1172277431 — 2017-09-17 05:37:47 UTC

https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/sweetened

On a slightly more positive note...

117222740 — 2017-09-17 22:55:09 UTC

https://www.smartertravelworkplaces.ie/
This initiative in Dublin has proven quite successful in reducing reliance on cars and encouraging cycling as a mode of commuting. I do wonder why it hasn't been rolled out by other City councils throughout the country?

Evelyn Egar -

2017-09-18 08:59:56 UTC

Cork Walking Week - Saturday September 23^rd – Sunday October 1^st

Cork Sports Partnership along with the Health Promotion and Improvement, Health and Well-being division of the HSE South are on a mission to Get Cork Walking.

This week-long celebration of walking will take place throughout Cork and cater for people interested in getting out and about at walking events and workshops across the county.

Supporting walking groups, programmes and initiatives in Cork and Cork Walking Week provides a fantastic focal point for people to experience walking events and activities locally. The week also coincides with The European Week of Sport which is also about getting people active through sport & physical activity with the campaign #BeActive.

Activities range from orienteering style events to beginner walking workshops as well as guided walks across the county.

Online registration is currently open for all events & workshops and further information on all that’s going on is available at www.corkwalkingweek.ie

GET UP, GET OUT, GET ACTIVE

Obesity and processed foods

2017-09-23 14:12:01 UTC

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cure-obesity-processed-food-when-poison-antidote-part-sepahhttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cure-obesity-processed-food-when-poison-antidote-part-sepah

2018-01-24 11:23:43 UTC

Niamh Whelan.

2018-01-25 15:38:16 UTC

It is worth watching Cowspiracy and Food Inc., both available on Netflix. The first highlights how our meat-reliant diets contribute to climate change, to deforestation and to ill health. The second addresses how humans mistreat the use of land and animals in order to generate industrialised food.

Fracking

118224513 — 2018-09-18 19:38:38 UTC

At a time when we should be moving away from fossil fuels there has been some motivation for fracking to be carried out in Ireland. Local protests have been carried out against this, but studies are still ongoing into how it would be best monitored if it did take place so it may be a possibility in the future.

https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/geoscience-topics/energy/Pages/Fracking.aspx

Adani, Australia’s largest coal mine has been approved, threatening Great Barrier Reef

118225281 — 2018-09-20 18:07:55 UTC

Gautam Adani, the Indian billionaire’s largest mine in Australia and one of the largest in the world has been approved by our short sited prime minister. The Great Barrier Reef is at catastrophic tipping point already from coral bleaching etc etc and these super coal mines and a proposed super coal highway will bring coal up the east coast passing within the reef system. Any spill will spell disaster. They also dredge soil which is dumped in sea (yes near Reef) or wetlands. Thankfully Deutsche Bank and HSBC won’t fund Adani’s project following a successful lobbying due to risk of damage to the world heritage site. Everything is wrong with this. New Delhi has calculated that the price of solar power is dropping so quickly that there could be no need for coal power by 2050. To meet Paris Agreement 90% of Australia’s cola needs to stay in the ground. The 4.7 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the mine will be equivalent to nine times Australia’s overall emissions in 2014.

Irish scientists aim to use seaweed to sustainably create bioplastics (Good news story)

118225281 — 2018-09-20 18:19:43 UTC

A GROUP OF Irish scientists are helping to pave the way for the future of bioplastics, using the relatively untapped resource of… seaweed.

Unlike normal plastics which can linger for many years and have various pretty nasty effects on the environment, bioplastics can be biodegradable and are not manufactured using fossil fuels.

The production of this material uses PolyLatic Acid from food stuffs like corn, wheat, sugar beets, and sugar cane.

The European Union has a target for 2020 that 10% of all market plastics will be bioplastics, meaning that as the production of bioplastics grows, so will the space and resources required.

Researchers from the Daithi O’Murchu Marine Research Station in Cork and Cartron Point Shellfish in Clare are working with other organisations across Europe on a project known as SEABIOPLAS.

Canada's Latest Controversial project: The Keystone Oil Pipeline

Emilie_Fournier — 2018-09-22 13:15:38 UTC

The debate was ongoing for a decade between Canada's various provinces and US States to allow the construction of a transcontinental oil pipeline (the TransCanada Keystone project). Finally, in November 2017, one of the last standing US territory, Nebraska as given its green light to the controversial project. The pipeline construction will allow even more oil to be pumped from Alberta and sold to the US. Ecological disasters are feared by the population as leaks and even accidental fires/explosions are likely to happen with this type of infrastructures. Citizens from both countries and even from overseas are protesting again the project in this hour of great ecological concern.

I have included here a link for a video made by National Geographic which summarises the project:

https://youtu.be/cT9NH9I_DWE

Also there's an article from The Globe Mail for more information on the latest developments: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/nebraska-regulators-approve-transcanadas-keystone-pipeline/article37028478/

The Great Green Wall

118226766 — 2018-09-22 16:37:09 UTC

The reference in Sim, Griffiths & McKee (1) to the NHS forest reminded me of a news story I had heard a while ago, about an initiative to plant a wall of trees from east to west across Africa in order to combat the effects of climate change in the region.
The goal is to "address land degradation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity, and forestry within its local context" (2), with hope that environmental improvement will also further economic opportunity.

I've included the link to a national geographic article on the project here

(1) Sim F, Griffiths J, McKee M. Chapter 12: Sustainable development and climate change- the 'new' determinants of health. In: Sim F, McKee M, editors. Issues in Public Health. London: McGraw-Hill Education; 2011.

(2) www.nationalgeographic.org/news/great-green-wall/

Human activities have caused the extinction of 1000 plant and animal species. we need these organisms to sustain intact ecosystems. We need to avoid our activities having too great an effect on biodiversity. The crash course on ecology video is a great way to understand the services provided by intact ecosystems.

118226899 — 2018-09-23 22:43:36 UTC

Ted Talk

quinnrk — 2018-09-25 21:52:08 UTC

This Ted Talk provided a great summary of the causes of climate change and the impacts. But crucially the solutions are also focused on. I learnt that a 100W light bulbs left on overnight produces 1.5kg of CO2. That figure shocked me!

Spending on obesity

quinnrk1 — 2018-09-27 21:01:06 UTC

After our discussions on obesity and climate change, the figures in this article from yesterday were pretty shocking. The spending on obesity is a huge percentage of the national budget. It's sad when we think of the ways money could be spent on prevention to tackle climate change too, such as investing in improved public transport and creating healthier cities.
I'm not sure what weighing children in isolation will do... Surely there should be an action plan for what would happen after their weight is taken?

Info for kids

11622124 — 2018-09-29 10:25:50 UTC

Slightly off topic but thought this was a nice resource for children (older ones) proving simpler information on climate change and what we can do to help. there is also info for school education.

Future of Food and Agriculture

11622124 — 2018-09-29 10:37:15 UTC

Innovative thinking...

118226899 — 2018-09-29 21:01:11 UTC

Fossil Fuel and climate change
The main fossil fuel that my family has used in my lifetime has always been coal. So I was interested to find out more about its impact. It has been the main global energy source since 2003 and has had an impact on our greenhouse gases by not only its burning to provide energy but the coal industry plants also pollute our air. The Paris Agreement has shown the global effort that will be taken to stop the use of coal as fuel and already it use is falling but we still need to educate people more on its dangers to the environment.

Climate Change

119224022 — 2019-01-27 13:46:27 UTC

"Agriculture, Energy and Transport accounted for 73% of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions in 2012'

Climate Change .

119224022 — 2019-01-27 13:53:17 UTC

EU countries by total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2015

Irelands contribution to greenhouse gases

119224193 — 2019-01-31 12:05:52 UTC

Ireland's Emissions

119224113 — 2019-02-03 20:05:42 UTC

This is a report from the Environmental Protection Agency on Ireland’s greenhouse gas projections 2017-2035. This gives a good breakdown of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emission areas. These projections show that Ireland will most likely not meet its 2020 target and is not on the right course to meet long term EU and National emission reduction commitments. In creating these projections they compare two scenarios, one with existing measures and one that takes into account additional measures.
https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/airemissions/ghgprojections2017-2035/EPA_2018_GHG_Emissions_Projections_Summary_Report.pdf

Climate change in Mexico

120222260 — 2020-09-04 14:42:39 UTC

Key climate impacts:
-Infrastructure
-Coast
-Water sources
-Ecosystems
-Agriculture

USAID (Internet). 2017. Climate Risk Profile: Mexico. Available from: https://www.climatelinks.org/resources/climate-change-risk-profile-mexico

Greenhouse gases in Mexico

120222260 — 2020-09-04 14:53:07 UTC

Mexico contribute to 1.38% of the greenhouse global emissions.
Mobile sources and electricity generation are the biggest contributors.
USAID. (Internet) 2017.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Factsheet: Mexico. Available from: https://www.climatelinks.org/resources/greenhouse-gas-emissions-factsheet-mexico.

Impacts of climate change in Kenya

KevinRaabe — 2020-09-04 17:32:54 UTC

Kenya is seeing significant changes in the climate, which is affecting numerous aspects of life. Farmers are having to plant at higher altitudes, further degrading soil and risking landslides (as a result of increased rains). Climate change is also contributing to increased migration to Nairobi in search of livelihoods, placing additional strain on already burdened health, water and other services.

1. Thornton N. Climate change in Kenya: focus on children. London: UNICEF UK.

Climate Change in Singapore

2020-09-05 04:43:20 UTC

Singapore has been proactive in mitigating the effects of climate change, by creating flood defence infrastructure, creating an efficient public transport system to reduce car usage and investing heavily in green areas and tree planting to offset carbon emissions.

Below is an article which describes how Singapore is using mangroves to contribute in the battle against climate change.

2020-09-05 04:55:22 UTC

Singapore is a heavily urbanised city state which will be affected by climate change impacts. Most prominently, rising sea levels and increased incidence of heavy rainfall risks flooding and coastal loss of land. One third of Singapore’s land, including the central business district lies less than 5 metres above sea level. Singapore has been proactive in mitigating the effects of climate change, by creating flood defence infrastructure, creating an efficient public transport system to reduce car usage and investing heavily in green areas and tree planting to offset carbon emissions. Below is an article which describes how Singapore is using mangroves to contribute in the battle against climate change.

2020-09-05 15:02:16 UTC

Acid Rain

82133433 — 2020-09-05 19:20:28 UTC

When I think of climate change, the first thing thing that I think of is the destruction of trees in the Black Forest in Germany.
Emissions form nearby industrialised areas have altered the acidity (pH) of the rain destroying the leaves on the trees and then the trees themselves. As they trees die, carbon sequestration is diminished, the acid rain alters the soil pH, thereby killing more plants, lack of plants affects the animal life and so on it goes,

Climate change in New Ross

115224010 — 2020-09-06 10:16:41 UTC

I considered my local environment when thinking about climate change, specifically the level of air pollution in New Ross.

The impact of burning fossil fuels on health and climate change are discussed in the Sim and McKee chapter ^1.

Levels of air pollution are monitored and displayed on the Wexford County Council website with the levels in New Ross frequently the highest in all of Co. Wexford ². This may be in part due to the recent introduction of smoky coal ban in more densely populated areas in Co. Wexford ³.

The Sim and McKee chapter on Climate Change ¹ discussed mitigation and adaptation as tools for tackling climate change. In New Ross, there is little evidence of mitigation, however there is a warning system available for people to view on the County Council website ² called the "The Air Quality Index for Health". This is a useful tool and can be considered an adaptation to the levels of air pollution.

Further mitigation will be necessary to reduce the severity of the impact of air pollution on both health and climate change, locally and nationally. It is my hope that the smoky coal ban will be extended nationally to include New Ross.

References

1. Sim F, McKee M, Sim F. EBOOK: Issues in Public Health. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education; 2011.
2. Wexford County Council.

Air Quality Monitoring. Wexford: [Undated; cited 2020 September 6th]. Available from:

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/environment/air-water-and-noise-pollution/air-pollution/air-quality-monitoring
3. Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Minister Ryan signs Regulations to extend Smoky Coal Ban [Internet]. Ireland: www.gov.ie.

[2019 July 27th

; cited 2020 September 6th]. Available from: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f15e2-minister-ryan-signs-regulations-to-extend-smoky-coal-ban/

Joy Kellett

2020-09-06 19:06:35 UTC

https://www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-statistics/key-statistics/co2/#:~:text=Large%20share%20of%20agriculture,non%2DETS%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions.

In Ireland, our largest cause of emissions is from the burning of fossil fuels in the energy sectors of transport and energy within the home. Unfortunately, it is well known that Ireland has a huge under investment in public transport. People in rural Ireland are heavily dependent on private car use as public transport can be non existent in some areas. In Dublin, there are electric rail and light rail alternatives, but sadly these run in limited one way directions and lack diversity across the county, leading people to be more reliant on energy inefficient services like the bus. Increased investment and commitment to energy efficient public transport services and renewable energy have the potential to reduce Ireland's net GHG emissions.

Food Insecurity and Climate Change in Ethiopia

120226644 — 2020-09-07 08:38:29 UTC

Climate change has had a marked impact on the health of Ethiopians. Drought and floods have caused water sanitation issues, and there was an outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) across Ethiopia from 2006 to 2011 (https://www.who.int/globalchange/resources/wash-toolkit/climate-change-and-health-lessons-learned-documentation.pdf?ua=1)

Most recently, climate change has precipitated conditions that have allowed desert locusts to wreak havoc across the Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, widening the food gap of households and putting families at risk of malnutrition and starvation.
(Onyango, A. The Public Health Implication of the 2020 Locust Invasion in East Africa In: EUCLID GLOBAL HEALTH. Available from: https://globalhealth.euclid.int/the-public-health-implication-of-the-2020-locust-invasion-in-east-africa/

EU and China appetite for Brazilian soja

2021-08-29 22:50:54 UTC

How our appetite for meat drives our need for soja, mostly imported from Brasil, continuing to contribute to deforestation, not only adding to carbon emission with continuous transport of millions tons of soja, but reducing mitigation capacities by deforestation of both the Amazon and the Cerrado savanna.

Record breaking heatwave driven by climate change in Western Canada

2021-09-01 03:47:01 UTC

Record breaking temperatures in British Columbia this summer season have resulted in hundreds of wildfires, smoke pollution, significant increases in reported sudden deaths, drought and damage to agriculture. A short period of increased temperatures with negative consequences that will have a lasting impact and is likely to continue into future summers.

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/irish-firms-lag-when-it-comes-to-taking-action-on-climate-change-1.4643136

2021-09-01 15:01:35 UTC

SUVs

121108043 — 2021-09-01 17:43:55 UTC

Laura Brennan.
In 2021, half of the top ten cars sold in Ireland were SUVs. This is actually quite different to the UK top ten list, which only has two SUVs on it. SUVs unfortunately have a negative impact on the environment. An article in New Scientist published at the start of 2021 noted that SUVs use 20 per cent more energy for every kilometre driven than a medium sized car. The article states: "The increase in SUVs in 2020 led to a rise in oil consumption that cancelled out the effect of electric cars". Even when the SUVs themselves are electric, the production of these cars themselves takes more resources and they use about 15% more electricity than average sized cars.

References:
https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/the-age-of-suvs-tectonic-shifts-in-the-cars-we-buy-and-how-we-buy-them-1.4439741
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2265449-people-buying-suvs-are-cancelling-out-climate-gains-from-electric-cars/

Methane emissions from agriculture and farming industry in Ireland account for a third of emissions from Ireland

2021-09-01 19:00:39 UTC

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/nobody-is-safe-ireland-faces-more-floods-heatwaves-and-severe-storms-40734776.html

Air pollution in Dhaka

2021-09-02 15:12:31 UTC

Having lived in Dhaka for two years, I never appreciated fresh air and enjoying time outdoors as much as I did when I had vacation or now that I've left. Although citizens in the higher socio-economic quintiles could afford to live in less crowded areas, purchase air purifiers, and travel by car, most citizens live in the city (with a staggering rate of urbanization) and do not have access to those things mentioned above. They are forced to spend the majority of their time breathing polluted air, oftentimes polluted at rates hundreds of times beyond acceptable levels (as set forth by the EU, for example).
Air pollution overwhelmingly affects children, who are then burdened with health problems for life. Children cannot play safely outside for most of the year (given the air quality), and are faced with the choice to sacrifice their lungs for physical activity or perhaps adopt more sedentary hobbies to save their lungs (linking back to the previous lesson on obesity). The poor air quality has recently also been linked to fertility issues in women as well as low birth weight in Bangladesh (http://rdm.icddrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Air-Quality-and-Pregnancy-Outcome-Report_RDM_Final_approved-260919.pdf)

While this article (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/learning/lesson-of-the-day-who-gets-to-breathe-clean-air-in-new-delhi.html) follows two schoolchildren in India, it could just have easily selected two from Bangladesh. The concentration on economic growth and development, resulting in high-emitting factories with low-to-no environmental standards, risky working conditions, and leaving no time for preparing or consuming a nutritious meal, contributes to a number of public health issues.

A closer look: How much does the United States contribute to climate change?

2021-09-03 00:25:37 UTC

The United States is the worlds second largest producer of greenhouse gases, second to only China. In 2018 the United States produced more than 15% of the total global emission of greenhouses gases. The US not only plays a large role in producing CO2, but also has a role in the technology and politics used to lower them. The U.S has substancial influence in global politics, for example the impact on the Paris climate agreement with the withdrawal and subsequent reengagement in the process. As such a large nation, and one with tremendous influence and resources in technology and politics, it is vital that the government and private industry in the United States take climate change seriously. There is no longer room for the U.S to prioritize profit and industry over the health of the environment.

Climate Change in México

121110106 — 2021-09-04 00:53:42 UTC

In the last years, the most known environmental crisis in my country are the oil spills, that affect not only the oceans but our health.
According to Forbes Magazine, in 2019 the oil spills increased a 16% to what would be equivalent to 272,800 barrels; and that's not the only problem, also the gas leaks increased to 32 million cubic feet. (Solís, 2021)
Right now, Mexico is facing a big challenge in environmental matters, due to lack of resources.

Meat consumption in the Czech Republic

121126664 — 2021-09-05 09:29:50 UTC

The Czech cuisine is well-known for its meaty dishes, mostly made from pork and beef. I was born in a small village on the west of the county where a meatless dish equals no dish.
Statistics can also support my claim. From 1936 until 2016, yearly meat consumption in Czechia increased from 38,1 kg per person to an alarming 80,3 kg per person (1).
As a physician from the Czech Republic, I can see that a vast majority of medical practitioners regularly educate their patients about the negative impact of meat over-consumption on health, but very few of them can also provide information about the significant effect of eating meat on climate change.
I hope that in the future public health practitioners in my country will be able to train their medical colleagues in this matter, and by their shared effort, they will direct people towards a plant-based diet and a better future for our planet.

1. Šrédl K, Prášilová M, Severová L, Svoboda R, Štěbeták M. Social and Economic Aspects of Sustainable Development of Livestock Production and Meat Consumption in the Czech Republic. Agriculture. 2021 Feb;11(2):102.

Impacts of climate change and why should medical doctors educate their patients in this field

121126664 — 2021-09-05 10:03:54 UTC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iJRtya1GHE (1)

1. Climate change is a medical emergency - YouTube [Internet]. [cited 2021 Sep 5]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iJRtya1GHE

How is the HSE doing?

2021-09-05 13:22:14 UTC

In Chapter 12 of Issues in Public Health by Sim and McKee, the responsibilities of health services internationally to be environmentally conscious and energy efficient was highlighted. It describes how the 'NHS is the largest public sector contributor to climate change in Europe'.¹
I came across this article online which reported on a conference during which the speakers were critical of the HSE in terms of it's failures to manage it's spending efficiently. Of note, only 'Switzerland and the US spend more than Ireland on health'. Health services internationally, including the HSE are major consumers of energy and have a responsibility to try and reduce their energy consumption and consequently their carbon foot-print.

References

1. Sim F, McKee M, EBOOK: Issues in Public Health. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education;2011

South Africa as a developing country has a difficult infrastructure regarding public transportation which, in turn, contributes to carbon emissions and climate change. I found this interesting link to a group that promotes the concept of a "circular economy". Recycling and sustainable use of resources goes a long way to ensure less waste and promote a healthier economic approach to climate change.

2022-08-31 11:39:43 UTC

2022-08-31 19:53:18 UTC

With increasingly more frequent extreme weather events, particularly heatwaves and droughts in developed Western countries, the reality of an increase in climate change migration needs to be captured in public and political imagination. Population migration is one of the main determinants of health affected by climate change (p.247), and many climate migrants might find themselves in demobilised socioeconomic states due to unemployment, living conditions, poor access to healthcare, or missing out on essential childhood vaccinations. This is an interesting chapter that captures the all-hazards approach to climate change's impact on population health.

2022-09-01 13:01:56 UTC

We need greenhouse gases to live on earth but human activities are impacting the radiative forcing in a negative way, resulting in too much production greenhouse gases which is impacting individual and global health. The risk associated with increased greenhouse gases causing climate change is that it will lead to an increased level of diseases. Such diseases may include skin cancer due to increased UV radiation and increased air pollution may lead to increased chronic conditions such as lung cancer and asthma. Climate change will also impact the wider determinants of health such as hygiene and sanitation, infectious disease and vaccinations, and access to clean water and food as discussed by Sim and McKee (Sim et al., 2011).Clean water and food will be directly impacted due to accessing issues. NASA anticipate that crop supplies (maize, wheat) will be impacted as early as 2030 as a direct consequence of climate change (Jägermeyr et al., 2021). As discussed in chapter 12, Sim & McKee discuss lower food supplies during monsoon season which are being observed in India due to climate instability (Sim et al., 2011). As well as this, the production of meats is having an increased influence on the obesity epidemic while also being a direct influence on increased greenhouse gas emissions. Public health practitioners have a key role to play to tackle climate change. This can be achieved through health promotion, health protection and health services. Through daily communications with the public and patients, public health practitioners can play an active role in tackling climate change. They can mention the benefits to the climate of tackling health issues such as obesity. JÄGERMEYR, J., MÜLLER, C., RUANE, A. C., ELLIOTT, J., BALKOVIC, J., CASTILLO, O., FAYE, B., FOSTER, I., FOLBERTH, C. & FRANKE, J. A. 2021. Climate impacts on global agriculture emerge earlier in new generation of climate and crop models. Nature Food, 2, 873-885.SIM, F., GRIFFITHS, J. & MCKEE, M. 2011. 12 Sustainable development and climate change–the ‘new’determinants of health. EBOOK: Issues in Public Health, 244.

2022-09-01 13:02:37 UTC

Lyme Disease in Kerry

2022-09-02 09:19:51 UTC

Tic bites and concerns regarding Lyme Disease have become an issue in my local area over the past few years. As highlighted by Dr. Lambert in his article 'Tick Borne Infections in the EU: A New Epidemic in the Face of Global Warming', global warming has extended the range of and season for tics.
Anecdotally, in General Practice, we are seeing patients presenting more frequently following tic bites with concerns regarding Lyme's Disease.
The National Park have recently erected signs with information on tic bites and Lyme Disease.

1. Lambert J Tick Borne Infections in the EU: A New Epidemic in the Face of Global Warming Ir Med J May 2022 Vol 115 No5 P594

Farming in Ireland and its impact on climate change

2022-09-03 09:01:59 UTC

350,000 deaths are estimated to occur each year due to climate change [2]. Climate change happens as greenhouse gases, such as CO2 and methane, act like a cover and trap the heat of the sun in our atmosphere, causing an increase in the earth's surface temperature [2].
Here in Ireland, agriculture was responsible for 37.5% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 [1]. This is mainly due to methane from livestock, and the emission of nitrous oxide from nitrogenous fertiliser and manure development.
This has become a hot topic in the media in the last year, and efforts are being made to make farming more sustainable e.g. by using low emission slurry spreading [1].
1. Agriculture. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved September 3, 2022, from https://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/ghg/agriculture/#:~:text=In%20Ireland%20the%20Agriculture%20sector,nitrogen%20fertiliser%20and%20manure%20management.
2. Sim F, McKee M, Sim F. Issues in Public Health. Maidenhead, UNITED KINGDOM: McGraw-Hill Education; 2011.

Consequences of Climate Change

2022-09-03 13:17:56 UTC

Although it can be pleasant experiencing hot temps over the summer, this article I read a few weeks back stuck with me. We are hitting new temperatures in and around our little island and this is a direct consequence of our behaviours as humans that are contributing to global warming. Subjecting anything, be it bacteria or fish or alike, to a temperature that invokes a temperature stress responses seldomly ends well.

Climate Change In Ireland

2022-09-18 12:34:39 UTC

In Ireland one of our biggest contributing factors to climate change would be the burning of fossil fuels. Peat/turf and coal have long been used to heat Irish homes and businesses in rural and city communities. Recent introductions such as the ban on burning of 'smokey fuels' has been a positive step towards reducing our emissions but we are still far from meeting national and international targets. Other incentives such as switching from cars with internal combustion engines to electric or hybrid vehicles has also proved beneficial.

I think it's interesting to understand Ireland's beef farming industry as a core component of GHG emissions. Ireland is in the top 10 list of beef exporters globally, producing 524,543 tonnes in 2020 (1). Plant-based diets are emerging as an alternative to meat-based diets in climate change action - and research shows the health benefits of this in CV risk reduction.

2023-08-27 09:50:14 UTC

(1) Teagasc. Beef farming and its challenges in Ireland [Internet]. Ireland: Teagasc; 2023. Available from: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/beef-farming-and-its-challenges-in-ireland.php

Human Activities Contributing to Climate Change

2023-08-29 21:09:30 UTC

Consumerism and convenience I believe have a role to play - people wanting more and in an easier way without regard for carbon footprints.
The corporate world pushing for sales with little regard for carbon footprint - greenwashing so people with little understanding believe it is not so bad.
For example fake grass covering a lawn - for convenience at a large cost to the environment; driving everywhere for short distances as its quicker and expends less energy; families eating meat every day of week as no will to explore vegetarian alternatives.

Individual actions alone can contribute only a small impact but collectively can contribute more and when putting that collective force against large corporations or governments can have a greater impact again.

2023-08-30 11:46:44 UTC

The water pump is telling us how to be less thirsty...

2023-08-30 17:45:56 UTC

Greenhouse Gases and Transportation

2023-08-31 20:59:57 UTC

I think relationship between transportation, climate change, and health is telling and important to look at. I'm from the USA, and I've spent over six hours in a vehicle within the past 48 hours. Twenty-nine percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the USA comes from transportation (1). It would be interesting to see if there could possibly be a shift towards more walkable or bikeable cities and towns as this could have the potential to decrease greenhouse gas production; it's hard for me to picture that happening because I live in a rural area.

(1) United States Environmental Protection Agency. Carbon Pollution from Transportation[Internet]. America: United States Environmental Protection Agency; [updated 2023 May 11; cited 2023 August 31]. Available from: https://www.epa.gov/transportation-air-pollution-and-climate-change/carbon-pollution-transportation#:~:text=Transportation%20and%20Climate%20Change,-Burning%20fossil%20fuels&text=%E2%80%8BGreenhouse%20gas%20(GHG)%20emissions,contributor%20of%20U.S.%20GHG%20emissions.
(2)

Temperatures soar in Europe

jonesz18 — 2023-08-31 21:25:35 UTC

The issues discussed by Sim and McKee(1) are evident close to home this Summer. While we may not have had the best weather this summer, multiple global record temperature highs have been reached. The effects of the heatwave in Europe have been well documented in the media, which raises awareness of the issues and dangers of climate change which is leading to extreme weather events. Sim and McKee highlight in their text how we as Public Health practitioners can utilise the domains of health improvement and health protection to tackle climate change, which can be co-beneficial for the planet and the human population. (1)

1. Sim F, McKee M. IssuesinPublicHealth. Maidenhead, UNITED KINGDOM: McGraw-Hill Education; 2011.

Car dependency

2023-09-03 15:58:55 UTC

There is an over reliance on cars for transport in Ireland and unfortunately a lot of people have no choice due to a lack of public transport

The Benefits and Challenges of Reducing Air Pollution

2023-09-04 19:18:32 UTC

Despite the health benefits of reducing emissions in densely populated urban areas the recent expansion of London's ultra low emission zone has met challenges legally, politically and from the general public. These two articles highlight the issues on both sides.

Impact of GHG on climate

123121500 — 2024-09-01 17:32:28 UTC

In Ireland, the impact of GHG on climate is evident through increased temperatures, with Met Eireann who provide data and analysis on Irish climate, reporting surface air temperature raise of 0.9°C in the past 120 years and increased extreme weather events, such as . These changes will negatively effect many areas sectors, not least the agricultural sector, potentially leading to reduced crop yields and increased food security. this can have indirect effects on public health by affecting nutrition and food availability. However, there is a plan for the agricultural sector to tackle at least some of the GHG emissions by reducing the cattle heard numbers, see the following video from Teagasc to explain further -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg-yjD_k7sY

2024-09-03 17:29:52 UTC

Currently we can see the that the deoxygenation of the oceans are similar to thoses that played out in the jurassic period. Continued activities (buring fossil fuels etc) by humans are leading tot the major destruction of our own habitat and thus affecting health outcomes generally

Livestock, air fly and car emission

2024-09-04 21:08:28 UTC

Ireland is one of the major exports of beef globally. Majority of rural communities are heavily dependent on family, mainly livestock farming which significant contribute to green house gas emission. Also, in the link attached, people recognized the effect of beef consumption, travel and use of fossil driven cars on the environment. However, many of them are reluctant to cut down on these activities/lifestyle.

Climate Change

2024-09-08 13:49:08 UTC

One of the statistics from Sim and McKee's Issues in Public Health which struck me was "if everyone in the UK stopped eating meat for one day. week, it would see a similar reduction in CO2 emissions to taking 5m cars off the road". It highlights the power of collective action and how small individual changes can make a huge difference to the overall picture of climate change. I think this needs to be highlighted more so that people take smaller actions in their daily lives to reduce the human impact of climate change

Very interesting to learn about the impact that the NHS has on Europe's carbon emissions overall.

2024-09-08 21:22:35 UTC

Data centres powering AI are being put before the needs of people and climate in Ireland

kywr — 2025-09-13 11:25:47 UTC

The data centre boom, driven largely by Big Tech AI, is impacting our wallets, health, and climate in Ireland and across the globe. These data centres require immense water, land, and electricity for their construction and running. That means diverting water, land, and energy from the public services and communities and increasing our reliance on fossil fuels. Many data centres in places like the US are constructed in communities that already experience water scarcity and poverty, degrading air and water quality and heightening disease and harm.

Greenhouse Gases & Climate Control

125130223 — 2025-09-16 23:39:08 UTC

Although we have seen a reduction in emissions in Ireland in recent years , we are still very much behind in reaching targets set out by the EU for 2030 and likely to fall short. The projected impact of this are already being felt, temperature increases, Sea level & rainfall rises. Future projections to health will lead to a major increase of pressure and demand on an already flailing health service. .