Climate Change Is Spiking Suicide Rates And Infectious Diseases: Study
The effects of climate change are becoming pronounced not only for the Earth's physiology, but also in terms of dangerous behavioural patterns among human beings. A surge in temperatures on Earth is causing heat-related illnesses among humans, along with an array of ailments including infectious diseases, poor quality of sleep, and a rise in suicides.
The new eye-opening report was compiled by The Lancet Countdown and signed by health researchers and professionals from over 70 institutions around the globe.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Renee Salas, one of the report's authors suggested that from a health standpoint, any rise in global temperature is dangerous for humans. Dr. Salas referred to climate change as a "health crisis."
Climate change will change us
Over the last few decades, instances and the intensity of heat waves, wildfires and droughts have also witnessed a spike.
When heat goes up, people are more vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. In addition, rates of crime as well of suicides tend to go up as public health suffers due to climate change.
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In fact, a different study claimed that in the United States alone, suicide rates rise by 0.7 per cent for every degree (Celsius) of increase in the average temperature.?The dangers of climate change are innumerable and scientists are still attempting to understand how the build-up of these changes would affect Earthlings. The report also alludes to dangers of wildfire smoke and flooding with more common occurrence.
Wildfire smoke is associated with pulmonary diseases and premature death, especially among kids. When floods increase, conditions that assist the growth of disease-spreading mosquitoes tend to flourish. The study estimates that the transmission of dengue right now is five times higher than it was in the 1950s.
Is India ready?
Such imminent threats of climate change are now becoming a lived reality for many, including those in India. A recent report alleged that India is one of the five countries in the world where vulnerable populations have been exposed to extreme heat conditions in the last five years.
Also read:?Climate Changes Like Erratic Weather Will Affect 85% Of World Population
As long as the support for fossil fuels continues unabated and emissions aren't brought under control, our collective future as Indians and more so as human beings remains under threat from climate change.
Do you think India is prepared to deal with dangerous realities that will become the norm with changes in climate? Let us know what you think in the comments below.?For more in the world of science and technology, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
Citation
Heatwaves. (2020, January 6). WHO.?
About the Lancet Countdown on Health & Climate Change. (2021, October 21). LANCET COUNTDOWN
Burke, M. (2020, June 2). Reply to: Temporal displacement, adaptation and the effect of climate on suicide rates. Nature Climate Change.?
