Environmental changes have become a pivotal affair in modern-day society due to their substantial impact on human health. Alterations ranging from air and water pollution to climate change and habitat destruction in the ecosystem exhibit multifarious threats to human welfare. Understanding the sophisticated affiliation between environmental changes and human health is vital for developing effective strategies to alleviate their effects. In the current circumstances, the need for precautionary measures to preserve public health despite the ongoing environmental challenges is incredibly fundamental.
Human health and environmental conditions are interrelated. Numerous environmental changes have posed substantial threats to human welfare. Presently, our planet is subjected to numerous deleterious impacts, including climate change, air and water pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, which are directly impacting human health and are progressively evolving.
Leading environmental changes affecting human health:
Climate change: climate change alludes to long-term shifts in temperatures, modified precipitation patterns, and an increased magnitude of extreme weather events, inclusive of hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts, which have extreme impacts on human health. These changes intensify heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity, and mental health issues.
Air pollution: emissions from vehicles, industries, and other sources give rise to poor air quality, ultimately leading to respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and premature death. When an individual is exposed to air pollutants for a short or long period, they are still susceptible to health impacts.
Water pollution: The contamination of water sources by pollutants, including chemicals, heavy metals, and pathogens, constitutes notable risks to human health. Individuals who consume contaminated water could be at risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis.
Deforestation: The demolition of forests and habitats reduces biodiversity as well as increases the risk of zoonotic diseases, which occur when humans encroach upon wildlife habitats and bacteria or viruses, capable of causing diseases, jump from the animals and onto humans. Deforestation also contributes to climate change due to the land being used for intensive agricultural practices, which ultimately results in the emission of carbon dioxide, exacerbating its health impacts.
Urbanization: accelerated urbanization results in numerous drawbacks affecting human health, including air and water pollution, unsatisfactory communal sanitation resulting in the transmission of infectious diseases, overpopulation, and exposure to environmental threats and dangers.
Vulnerability to the effects of climate change and health disparities are contrasting among all populations. Some communities may have great strength and unity in regards to environmental changes while other communities may face numerous negative impacts. Factors inclusive of socioeconomic status, geography, age, ethnicity, and pre-existing health conditions contribute greatly to the potential effects a community is susceptible to due to environmental changes.
Individuals in communities with lower status may lack access to predominant resources, such as healthcare, housing, and emergency services, ultimately leading to them being more vulnerable to the health effects that come into play in situations such as heat waves, air pollution, and extreme weather events. Another major factor to be considered is geography. Individuals living in coastal areas, flood-prone regions, or areas susceptible to wildfires could potentially face displacement, injuries, and mental health issues due to climate-related hazards. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, or mental health issues, may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and infectious diseases exacerbated by climate change. Prejudiced communities experience greater exposure to environmental hazards due to insufficient access to healthcare services and socioeconomic disparities, ultimately causing them to be more responsive to environmental changes.
The ubiquity of mental health issues is extensive, regardless of the consideration of the mental health consequences that come from alterations in the climate. As public enlightenment about the health effects of changes in the environment expands, it's evident that mental health is limited within those records. Climate changes can potentially trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety, depression, complicated grief, survivor guilt, vicarious trauma, and recovery fatigue. Acknowledging these impacts requires a rational approach that will ultimately prioritize individuals who require mental health services. Addressing the psychological ramifications of the changes in the environment can permit communities to face these challenges with resilience and overcome any environmental disruption that affects society.
Acting as a means of bringing an end to these disparities necessitates logical policies and interventions that will seek to prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations, promote equity, and build flexible communities that can withstand the impacts of alterations in the environment. By recognizing the drawbacks that contribute to the vulnerability of certain populations, communities can come to quality conclusions that can better protect the health and well-being of all individuals. Ultimately, alterations in the environment come along with numerous negative impacts that affect the well-being of individuals. Societies must act in an organized manner to achieve unity and promote the health and well-being of all individuals.
Bibliography:
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Hayes, K., Blashki, G., Wiseman, J., Burke, S., & Reifels, L. (2018a, June 1). Climate change and mental health: Risks, impacts and priority actions - International Journal of Mental Health Systems. BioMed Central. https://ijmhs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13033-018-0210-6
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