You can only be as healthy as the environment in which you reside. Unfortunately, we do not reside in a climate-controlled environment, at least not yet. We are dependent on Mother Nature’s mercy. If the environment is ailing, then so too are we. Our existing climate change can affect many facets of our lives. None more important than our health.
Trapped Pollutants: The Consequence of Climate Change
Predicted warming summers predispose existing pollutants in the atmosphere to become trapped or stagnant, especially with high pressure systems. These pollutants arise from the Midwest United States and southern Ontario then follow a southwesterly air flow to the Maritimes.
Normally, low temperatures and fast moving winds push overhanging pollution out of the region. Now, we seem to be seeing more high pressure systems as a result of climate change which creates a canopy of ‘dirty’ air over a region. It results in increased cases of asthma as well as respiratory and cardiovascular disease, especially for the infirm, elderly and young. These high pressure systems can lead to air quality degradation along the eastern seaboard of North America, which can in turn give rise to unwelcomed health outcomes for many.
Ozone Depletion and Climate Change: Link and Effect
Ozone is a natural greenhouse gas. Its protective layer in the Earth’s atmosphere absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches us from the sun. Man-made chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are aiding in destroying this protective layer and can be substantial contributors to climate change.
CFC is a gas utilized in refrigeration and aerosols and a greenhouse gas. Ozone depletion has a link to climate change in that it affects stratospheric temperatures and circulation. With ozone depletion, more ultraviolet radiation reaches ground level. Continuous over exposure can lead to skin cancers, a depressed immune system and cataracts, for example.
Lyme Disease and the Expanding Range of Ticks
Environmental changes and climate warming has resulted in the expansion of some tick species extending into North America’s higher latitudes. A warmer climate is more conducive to the tick’s environment and increases its survival period. With a consistent warming trend and longer summers, ticks are adapting and completing their life cycle, thus increasing their numbers.
Blacklegged ticks are known carriers and transmitters of Lyme disease, a bacterial infection. Lyme disease can only be transmitted by an infected tick if it has attached itself to an individual’s skin for 24 hours. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue and headache, but more serious reactions such as heart and joint problems may develop if not treated with antibiotics.
Toxic Algal Blooms: A Consequence of Warming Oceans
Research indicates that our oceans are warming. With the consistent warming patterns, organisms responsible for toxic algal blooms (surface water slime) may increase. These toxic algae known as cyanobacteria, occur on the ocean’s surface (both freshwater and saltwater) and have a bluish-green appearance with a distinct odour.
These algae thrive on nutrients and blooms and may be offset by increased nutrient levels, warmer waters and heavy rainfall. Drinking water containing these toxic algal blooms may induce stomach ache, diarrhea and nausea. Direct contact results in skin, nose and eye infections. Shell and ground fish can become contaminated with these toxic algal blooms and human consumption of such can lead to severe illness or mortality.
Resolving Climate Change: Technological Advancements and Political Will
So, how do we resolve the problems related to climate change? That’s not readily answered. Scientifically speaking we know that we can reduce CO2 emissions to reverse the detrimental effects of climate change through technological advancements. This will require a political will in implementation and the encouragement and education in informing the masses about some solutions.
Research can predict some of the changes that will necessitate adaptive measures by all. We can only hope that through ingenuity, preparedness and forethought that most major implications of climate change will be at least minimized if not eradicated.