Global Health in Response to Climate Change
PM 565
Global warming refers to the continuous rise in Earth-surface temperature that has been occurring since the mid-twentieth century. Research into this area suggests that global warming is expected to continue and thus, public health officials need to be made aware of the possible health effects this trend will cause as well as preventative solutions that should be proposed in order to limit an unnecessary growth in global morbidity and mortality rates. The following paragraphs will discuss the proposed reasons behind global warming as well as the expected health side effects. Additionally, the controversy behind global warming will be addressed and the reasons why many scientists believe that any preventative measures taken to ameliorate global warming will do more harm than good. After a careful review of both arguments, it becomes clear that although there is strong evidence for a rise in Earth’s surface temperature, it is still unclear as to how and if this will have a significant impact on global health. Regardless of the extent of the impact that global warming may have, it is up to the government and public health officials to prevent global warming as well as illnesses associated with this climate change.There are two main theories behind the slow increase in Earth’s temperature. Some scientists believe that the change in climate that we have seen is a natural progression and would have occurred regardless of the impact that living organisms have made. The majority of the scientific community feels that global warming is a direct cause of human activity. Due to our use of fossil fuels and other natural energy sources, humans are releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These gases react with other gases naturally found in our atmosphere to create a large radiation trapping “shell” above Earth’s surface that causes an overall increase in temperature.The controversy behind these two thoughts comes from the lack of solid evidence for either theory. Those who believe that the rise in temperature is a natural progression have a tough time supporting their theory because there is no way to tell if this would actually occur if humans did not here. In contrast, scientists who suggest that human activity is the cause of global warming base their theory on computer models which may be considered inaccurate. All in all, both sides are fairly flawed and thus the controversy over the cause of global warming continues.Regardless of the cause of global warming, the biggest concern is whether or not global warming will have a strong impact on health. As with any health-related concern, the most susceptible population includes young children, elderly adults, and those with a compromised immune systems. While these populations are certainly at risk for the increase in infectious diseases and air pollutant effects of global warming, the biggest concern will be stronger weather systems which will impact all populations equally.Global warming is expected to have a large impact on our weather systems. Although temperatures are increasing and therefore we may have more dry summers with longer droughts, the biggest problems will occur during Winter season when floods and strong hurricanes become an issue. Floods can cause our coasts to move further and further inland, decreasing living space for a growing population.Ok, so global warming IS happening and it IS causing an impact on our weather systems. What should we do? Much of the scientific community is pushing policy-makers to address these issues by creating strict laws regarding greenhouse gas emissions and the use of fossil fuels. This plan sounds fantastic in theory, the problem lays in the evidence supporting it. Why should we create drastic cutbacks on our use of industrial fuels on the basis of computer models?Some scientists feel that the costs outweigh the benefits in reducing the use of fossil fuels. For example, a change in the United States' policies in emissions and carbon production could result in a loss of jobs. Some people believe a change in energy policies in the United States might not make much of a difference if India and China, both of which continue to rely heavily on coal for their main source of energy, will continue to cause environmental problems. Scientists continue to argue that since scientific evidence is about probabilities rather than certainties, we can't be certain that human behavior is contributing to global warming, that our contribution is significant, or that we can do anything to fix it. While these points may seem valid, they are not strong enough reason to continue to do nothing about the rise in global temperature. Rather, it is up to policy-makers and public health officials to create ways to encourage people to limit their use of ozone-depleting products and to force industries to search out new sources of energy that limit the excretion of carbon dioxide gases into the atmosphere.The United States has already begun to encourage the public to utilize public transportation as well as energy-reducing vehicles. Unfortunately, many other countries are not following suit and we must make it our responsibility to spread awareness to countries like India and China which are large contributors to the greenhouse gas effect we are seeing. One way to do this is to present to these countries the economic value of creating energy-saving policies. Also, encouraging relationships with leaders around the world opens up communication for these leaders to share ideas regarding what has worked within their country.One way for the United States to encourage a decrease in unnecessary fossil fuel waste is to create tax incentives for people driving low-emission cars. Also, the U.S. should create strong policies regarding the use of fossil fuels on a large scale. We should allocate more resources towards technology companies that are working on finding low-emission fuels and ways to limit the greenhouse gas effect. Perhaps, we could create more university grants for schools that are considered “green” or that encourage their student population to live a “green” lifestyle. This could include limiting the number of cars on campus and creating low-energy heating and cooling systems for buildings.The fashion industry is often forgotten about in its role in fuel emissions. Each year, the average American throws away sixty-eight pounds worth of textiles and clothing. There are many ways that policy-makers can reduce this waste. For one, the government can offer a redemption value for textiles, much like that which is found on bottles and cans. This would encourage people to recycle their clothes, rather than to throw them away. Government officials can also offer a tax break for individuals who donate their clothing. This would also limit unnecessary textile waste.China is a heavily populated country and thus may be responsible for releasing a significant amount of greenhouse gases compared to other countries. Additionally, 30% of the world’s textiles are produced in China, creating another large source of energy emissions. While it may be difficult to relocate these industries to other parts of the world, we can improve China’s overall health by making sure that individuals in the textile service industry are properly protected from the harsh chemicals they are working with. Nearly 50% of the chemicals used to make cotton are considered to be likely carcinogens. Thus, it important that these facilities have good ventilation systems and that the employees are wearing proper protective equipment such as gloves, aprons, etc.Lastly, another way to encourage green living and therefore prevent future health effects from global warming is to encourage media icons to be involved in a campaign to stop global warming. The public looks up to famous people and thus may be more encouraged to drive a fuel-efficient car, wear organic, clothing, and limit unnecessary energy expenditure if their favorite celebrity is doing the same.The evidence for global warming is growing, but the reasons behind it are unclear. Whether humans are responsible for this trend or not is inconsequential. We should be working towards more efficient fuel sources regardless of whether or not our fuel use is creating warmer temperatures simply because our energy sources are limited and we need to use them wisely. The health impact of global warming is unclear, but in order to prevent possible health problems, it is best to limit greenhouse gas emissions and encourage individuals to live a “green” lifestyle.
Resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warminghttp://www.epa.gov/climatechange/http://www.climatehotmap.org/Björklund M, Ranta E, Kaitala V, Bach LA, Lundberg P, Stenseth NC. Quantitative trait evolution and environmental change. Reiter P. Global warming and malaria: knowing the horse before hitching the cart. Kim H, Bernstein JA. Air pollution and allergic disease.Recent changes in the climate: natural or forced by human activity? Karlén W.