In recent years, climate change has transformed from being an environmental concern to a major public health emergency. A rise in temperature, an alleviation of air quality, extreme weather events and changing disease patterns already impact human health both directly and indirectly while the medical response is far enough behind of such urgent needs.
Heatwaves are causing spikes in heatstroke and heart events especially among older persons and others at risk. Air pollution becomes the source of more than asthma and COPD. Vector-borne illnesses such as dengue and malaria continue to extend their reach under shifting climate conditions. Food insecurity, scarcity of water and climate change induced migration all serve to aggravate malnutrition and mental health.
And yet, climate health finds fewer seats in medical education. Healthcare systems continue to be among the highest contributors of carbon emissions. It is an ironic fact that the sector which should heal the people may actually cause him harm.
Are we doing enough? Should there be training in climate-responsive care of medical, dental and pharmacy students? Should hospitals be held to green standards?
This is so true. Climate change is already affecting people’s health, but it’s hardly talked about in our classes. We’re not trained to handle climate-related health issues, even though they’re increasing every year. I really feel every student should learn about this. And yes, hospitals should follow eco-friendly practices too they’re meant to protect lives, not silently add to the problem.
To effectively address climate-linked health challenges within our country, “climate resilience practices” must be integrated into public health policy and systems. This can also include training health workers towards recognizing and managing climate-sensitive issues/concerns, equipping primary healthcare centers with appropriate protocols for heatwaves/floods/air-quality related emergencies, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation in vulnerable areas. Public health infrastructure must also include early warning systems and community education especially for rural and marginalized populations who face the highest exposure. A secure and strong collaboration between health, environment, and urban planning departments is extremely vital to create climate-friendly public health responses.
Absolutely true, climate changes play a major role in public health. It will be better to learn and train healthcare professionals in climate responsive care. This will help us to fight with climatic change response in our body .
It is true that climate change affecting public health. Due to climate change many new diseases and pathogens are being found. Which leads to many complications in public health. Also many skin related problems are also rising due to climate change.
This is true climate changes affecting public health many changes in climate causes may infection and chronic diseases but we are not studying how to handle to cure the diseases by the climate changes
Climate change is clearly affecting our health in many ways, and it’s worrying that medical systems are not ready for it. Heatwaves, pollution, and diseases like dengue are becoming more common, and poor people suffer the most. I think students in medical fields should learn about climate-related health problems. Hospitals should also follow eco-friendly rules to reduce harm. It’s sad that the health sector adds to the problem instead of solving it. We need strong action and better education to protect people and the planet.
Such an important point - climate change is no longer just an environmental issue, it’s a health crisis. Training healthcare professionals in climate-responsive care and making hospitals more sustainable should be a priority.
Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue it’s a real threat to public health. It’s alarming how slow the medical field has been to adapt, even though the impacts are clearly visible.
Climate change isn’t just about the planet, it’s about people.
We’re already seeing its impact in our clinics and communities, yet healthcare training and systems still lag behind.