How Climate Change is Affecting Our Health: What You Need to Know

• The Pitch Point
• 16 Jul 2025

Climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern — it is a present-day public health challenge. Rising global temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, melting glaciers, and frequent natural disasters are not just environmental issues; they have direct and indirect impacts on human health.

From heat-related illnesses to the spread of infectious diseases, climate change is silently affecting millions of people around the globe. In this article, we will explore how climate change impacts our health, who is most vulnerable, and what steps we can take to protect ourselves.

1. Rising Temperatures and Heat-Related Illnesses

One of the most obvious effects of climate change is the increase in global average temperatures. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting.

Health impacts:

• Heat exhaustion & heatstroke: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can overwhelm the body’s cooling system.

• Dehydration: Excessive sweating leads to loss of fluids and electrolytes.

• Heart and respiratory stress: Extreme heat can put additional strain on the heart and lungs, especially for people with chronic conditions.

Who is at risk?

• Elderly individuals

• Children

• People with heart disease, asthma, or diabetes

• Outdoor workers

Example: In India, severe heatwaves in recent years have caused thousands of heat-related deaths, especially in rural and urban areas with poor access to cooling facilities.

2. Poor Air Quality and Respiratory Diseases

Climate change contributes to worsening air quality through increased pollution, wildfires, and changes in pollen seasons.

Health impacts:

• Asthma and allergies: Longer pollen seasons lead to higher allergen exposure.

• Chronic respiratory diseases: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from smoke and pollution damages lung tissue.

• Increased mortality: Poor air quality is linked to heart attacks, strokes, and premature deaths.

Example: During wildfire seasons in Australia and California, emergency room visits for asthma and other respiratory problems spike significantly.

3. Spread of Infectious Diseases

Changes in temperature and rainfall create new environments for disease-carrying insects and pathogens to thrive.

Health impacts:

• Vector-borne diseases: Warmer climates allow mosquitoes carrying malaria, dengue, and Zika virus to spread to new areas.

• Water-borne diseases: Flooding and water contamination increase cases of cholera, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal illnesses.

• Food-borne illnesses: Heat can speed up bacterial growth in food, leading to more food poisoning cases.

Example: In India, dengue fever cases have expanded to regions that were once too cool for mosquito survival.

4. Food Security and Malnutrition

Climate change affects crop yields, soil health, and water availability. Droughts, floods, and extreme weather events can reduce agricultural productivity.

Health impacts:

• Malnutrition: Reduced food availability leads to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.

• Child stunting and developmental delays: Malnourished children face long-term health and cognitive challenges.

• Weakened immunity: Lack of proper nutrition makes it harder for the body to fight infections.

Example: The United Nations has reported that climate-related food insecurity is already affecting millions in Africa and South Asia.

5. Mental Health Challenges

The health effects of climate change are not just physical — mental well-being is at risk too.

Health impacts:

• Climate anxiety: Worry about the future of the planet can cause stress, especially among young people.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Survivors of floods, cyclones, and wildfires may suffer long-term emotional trauma.

• Depression and hopelessness: Economic losses due to crop failure or disaster damage can contribute to mental health struggles.

Example: After the 2013 Uttarakhand floods in India, many survivors experienced anxiety disorders and PTSD for years.

6. Water Scarcity and Sanitation Issues

Climate change is altering rainfall patterns, leading to droughts in some areas and floods in others. Both extremes have serious health consequences.

Health impacts:

• Drought: Limited water supply affects hygiene, leading to more skin infections and gastrointestinal illnesses.

• Floods: Standing water becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes and spreads water-borne diseases.

Example: Cape Town’s water crisis highlighted how urban populations can quickly face severe water shortages due to changing climate patterns.

7. Displacement and Health Inequality

Natural disasters like cyclones, hurricanes, and floods are forcing millions to leave their homes, creating climate refugees.

Health impacts:

• Overcrowding in shelters: Increases the risk of infectious disease outbreaks.

• Lack of medical facilities: Displaced populations often lose access to routine healthcare.

• Poor nutrition and sanitation: Refugee camps may lack clean water and food, worsening health conditions.

Example: In Bangladesh, rising sea levels are pushing coastal communities inland, causing overcrowding and higher disease rates.

8. Increased Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Climate change indirectly contributes to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

How?

• Heat stress worsens cardiovascular problems.

• Poor air quality increases the risk of strokes and lung disease.

• Reduced access to fresh produce due to climate-related crop failures pushes people toward unhealthy diets.

What Can We Do to Protect Ourselves?

While climate change is a global issue requiring systemic action, individual and community-level steps can help reduce health risks.

1. Stay Informed and Prepared

• Monitor weather forecasts during heatwaves, storms, or floods.

• Have emergency kits ready, especially if you live in disaster-prone areas.

2. Protect Yourself from Heat

• Stay indoors during peak sunlight hours.

• Drink plenty of fluids and wear light, breathable clothing.

3. Reduce Air Pollution Exposure

• Use masks on high-pollution days.

• Keep windows closed during dust storms or wildfire smoke events.

• Plant more trees around your home to improve local air quality.

4. Practice Safe Food and Water Habits

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

• Drink filtered or boiled water.

• Store perishable food properly in hot weather.

5. Maintain Good Mental Health

• Seek counseling if climate-related anxiety or trauma is affecting you.

• Join community support groups.

6. Advocate for Change

• Support renewable energy and eco-friendly policies.

• Reduce your carbon footprint by using public transport, conserving energy, and minimizing waste.

Conclusion

Climate change is not a problem for the future — it is a public health emergency happening right now. Its effects are being felt in our air, food, water, and mental well-being.

Hospitals, doctors, and communities must work together to spread awareness, improve disaster preparedness, and encourage sustainable living.

By taking preventive measures and adapting to these changes, we can protect our health and build resilience against the challenges that lie ahead.