Health Impacts of Climate Change

Flashcards reviewing key concepts from the lecture notes on climate change and health.

Top 3 Health Concerns related to Climate Change

Respiratory, Cardiovascular & Mental Health Conditions

Health

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Top 3 Risk Factors Associated with Climate Change

Hazards, Exposure to hazards, Level of vulnerability of exposed individuals and/or communities

Direct effects of climate change

Storms, Drought, Flood, Heatwave

Indirect effects of climate change

Water quality, Air pollution, Land use change, Ecological change

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Contribute to 70% of deaths worldwide (82% of which take place in low/middle-income countries)

Examples of Non-Communicable Diseases

Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, Diabetes/Metabolic, Respiratory Disease, Mental Health

Infant and Children Cardiovascular Vulnerabilities

Children can’t increase their cardiac output in the same way adults can, Infants & young children can only increase heart rate

Canada Asthma Statistics

4,600,000+ people living with asthma, 317 people are diagnosed each day.

Air quality poll results

86% feel that solutions that address the health affects of air quality should be a priority when it comes to addressing climate change

Infant and Children Respiratory Vulnerabilities

Higher metabolic rate = higher O2 demands. Chest wall is more compliant & retracts easily during respiratory distress

The world’s primary energy source

Fossil Fuels

Burning Fossil Fuels result in

higher concentrations of CO2 in our atmosphere and higher number of pollutants in our atmosphere

The World Health Organization (2018) defines mental health as

A state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.