There is no doubt that climate-related issues have many detrimental effects on the planet; one that most people are not fully aware of is the impact created on human health. There are a copious amount of negative physical and mental effects from environmental disasters.
Rising surface temperatures often contribute to the increased occurrence of natural disasters. On land, the increase in temperature often leads to droughts and wildfires. In the ocean, warmer seas release water vapour into the atmosphere causing humidity and creating an increase in tropical storms, hurricanes, and rainstorms. Power outages can occur during the occurrence of these strong weather conditions, preventing many potentially life-saving resources (such as hospitals) from operating and helping the wounded.

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Warmer days create desirable conditions for disease-carrying insects such as ticks and mosquitos, leading to an increase in population which can generate an increase in the spread of Lyme and Dengue disease. Warmer temperatures also raise the risk of heatstrokes and prolong allergy season which increases the risks of people developing lung diseases and makes seniors and children with chronic illnesses more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Drought and rising sea levels threaten freshwater supplies in certain areas which can lead to dehydration which then typically causes constipation.

The increase in turbulent weather can also lead to crops being destroyed, creating food scarcity for many. The increase in temperature can also exceed certain crops’ required temperature for growth resulting in a further decrease in its yield, also contributing to food scarcity and starvation and malnutrition problems. The elevation in the amount of CO2 has also been proven to decrease the nutritional content in certain crops such as Alfafa, soybeans, and barley.

Now on to the potential mental health effects of climate change. Approximately 25% of those that experience a natural disaster develop PTSD. Climate change-related disasters can also create stress, anxiety, depression, dependence on alcohol and even suicide.
The health risks of Climate change may seem daunting and terrifying but, it is not irreversible. By educating others, speaking out on climate issues, and living a more sustainable life, we can limit its worst effects.

Works Cited
“13-Year Drought Creates Frightening ‘New Normal’ in South America.”, (Picture reference) https://www.preventionweb.net/news/13-year-drought-creates-frightening-new-normal-south-america.

“Barley: Nutrition, Health Benefits, and More.”, -11-12T11:00:00.000Z, 2019, (Picture reference) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295268.
Breeding, Kelly. Trauma from Witnessing Natural Disasters | ART International. , 2019, https://artherapyinternational.org/blog/trauma-developed-after-witnessing-a-natural-disaster/.

“Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply.”, https://climatechange.chicago.gov/climate-impacts/climate-impacts-agriculture-and-food-supply.

“Hurricanes.”, (Picture reference) https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-atmosphere/hurricanes.

“Is it Too Late to Prevent Climate Change?”, https://climate.nasa.gov/faq/16/is-it-too-late-to-prevent-climate-change.

“Psychiatry.Org – how Extreme Weather Events Affect Mental Health.”, https://psychiatry.org:443/patients-families/climate-change-and-mental-health-connections/affects-on-mental-health.
Sidrah, Ahmad.

“Water Scarcity Across the Globe | Waterlogic.”, May 26, 2017, https://www.waterlogic.com/en-us/resources-blog/water-scarcity-across-the-globe/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20risks%20of,areas%20where%20water%20is%20scarce.

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