by Arif Sheikh
arifsheikh@yahoo.com
The spread of diseases is influenced by various social and public factors, including population density, human behavior, community structure, water sources, sewage systems, land use, irrigation systems, access to healthcare, environmental cleanliness, and climatic elements such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. These factors significantly impact the intensity of various diseases. Public elements like urbanization, migration, deforestation, land use, agricultural activities, and international travel have also played a major role in the resurgence of many infectious diseases.
The climate of a particular region is an average of its weather patterns over several years. Any shift in this average is known as climate change. Our planet is currently experiencing rapid climate shifts, which will drastically alter our way of life. Rising global temperatures will lead to water shortages, making food production increasingly difficult. Some regions may become dangerously hot, while others may become uninhabitable due to rising sea levels. Extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy rainfall, and storms will become more frequent and intense, posing serious threats to human lives, health, and livelihoods. A special report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that if we do not act to curb the increasing effects of global warming, the risks will escalate further. Experts suggest that rising temperatures and humidity levels create ideal conditions for mosquitoes and other insects to breed, leading to a surge in vector-borne diseases. Climate change not only alters the geographical distribution of insects worldwide but also increases the number of viruses they carry and the risk of disease outbreaks.
Rising temperatures and heavy rainfall, especially during summer, can lead to a surge in infections spread through contaminated water. Additionally, climate change is expected to cause more severe floods and storms, leading to widespread destruction. Many scientists believe that increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere contribute to global warming, which in turn leads to respiratory illnesses. Air pollution has also been linked to rising cases of asthma, lung diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Social forestry, a concept aimed at benefiting local communities, promotes forest conservation, afforestation, and sustainable land management to meet the growing demand for wood, fuel, and food. By reducing reliance on traditional forests, social forestry helps mitigate the effects of climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, making urban afforestation an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Extreme climate changes, including heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts, pose significant threats to human health. These disruptions can lead to an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, premature deaths, the spread of food- and water-borne illnesses, changes in the geographical distribution of diseases, and mental health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that between 2030 and 2050, climate change could cause approximately 250,000 deaths annually. Natural disasters and climate-related changes have a severe psychological impact, particularly on those who lose their homes, belongings, or loved ones. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates tend to increase with rising temperatures. Climate change and extreme heat are also linked to higher rates of depression and other mental health disorders.
Vector-borne and waterborne diseases are also expected to rise due to climate change. Warmer temperatures create favorable conditions for disease-carrying insects. Extreme heat can cause heat strokes, dehydration, respiratory problems, and heart diseases. Air pollution exacerbates health risks, contributing to asthma, lung infections, chronic coughing, and even lung cancer. Increased pollen production due to warmer temperatures can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and respiratory distress. Additionally, high humidity and excessive rainfall create ideal conditions for mold growth, leading to respiratory issues.
Climate change significantly impacts agricultural production and food security. Rising food prices may force people to adopt less nutritious diets, leading to malnutrition and health complications. Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and soil degradation can reduce the nutritional value of crops. Additionally, higher temperatures and pest infestations may lead to excessive pesticide use, posing health risks for both farmworkers and consumers. A recent study revealed that climate-related illnesses now account for 24% of all diseases globally, and climate change-related deaths make up 23% of total global mortality. Developing nations are 15 times more vulnerable to climate-related health issues. The Global Health Security Conference has identified climate change as a major health risk in developing countries, with nearly one billion children worldwide at high risk due to the climate crisis. In Pakistan alone, climate change is causing an annual economic loss of $1.8 billion. Rising temperatures, increased flooding, and the spread of infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue, typhoid, and dehydration-related illnesses are becoming more prevalent.
The 2022 catastrophic floods in Pakistan highlighted the devastating impact of climate change. Over 1,400 healthcare centers were destroyed, leaving flood victims without access to clean drinking water, resulting in widespread disease outbreaks. Stagnant floodwaters created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to surges in malaria and dengue cases. Damage to agricultural land also worsened food shortages, increasing malnutrition among children. Pakistan faces severe water scarcity, further exacerbated by climate change. Women and children suffer disproportionately from climate-related disasters. During the 2022 floods, over 650,000 pregnant women were left without medical care, and millions of young girls lacked access to basic necessities.
Climate change affects people’s ability to work and earn a living. Rising temperatures, food shortages due to droughts, and the spread of waterborne diseases like dengue, malaria, typhoid, and cholera significantly impact productivity. Pakistan’s agricultural sector is already experiencing reduced yields, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion, forcing many communities to relocate. Despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions, Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters. Glacial melting has accelerated due to climate change, increasing the frequency of glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and downstream flooding. Pakistan has over 7,000 glaciers, with around 3,000 forming glacial lakes in the Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountain ranges. At least three dozen of these lakes pose an imminent flood risk.
Addressing climate change requires immediate, collective, and individual action. The link between climate and disease is complex, yet climate change is now recognized as a major public health concern. Raising awareness, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable practices such as tree planting can help mitigate these effects. Urban afforestation lowers temperatures, reduces greenhouse gases, and improves air quality, ultimately benefiting public health. Additionally, local training programs on air pollution-related diseases and climate monitoring at the district level are essential for effective response strategies. The time to act is now. Combating climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a health crisis that requires urgent global attention.
