Climate Change Patterns Around The World This Week ✓ Solved

Climate Change Patterns Around the World This week you will

This week you will write a paper on the potential public health impacts of climate change on different parts of the world. Many experts predict that climate change will impact different parts of the world in different ways. Some areas of the world may see increased periods of drought while others may experience increased periods of flooding (IPCC, 2007). In addition, developing countries will most likely be impacted more severely than developed countries (United Nations Development Program [UNDP], n.d.). Using the Argosy University online library resources and reliable Internet resources, prepare a paper on three of the most important examples of how climate change will impact public health.

Be sure to address the following: Examine how the outcomes from climate change on public health will differ between developed and developing countries. Describe what the future will be like for these public health issues as climate change becomes more severe. Explain the mitigation and response plans in place to ameliorate the effects of these changes. Assess the feasibility of these plans. If you could design a plan to address this issue, would it differ from current plans? If so, how? Be sure to support your positions with scholarly references—including a reference list—and appropriate examples. Write a 2–3-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above Instructions

Title: Public Health Impacts of Climate Change: A Global Perspective

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues affecting public health worldwide. As the climate continues to change, varying impacts will be experienced across the globe, especially between developed and developing nations. In this paper, I will explore three critical examples of how climate change can adversely affect public health: increased incidence of vector-borne diseases, food and water scarcity, and the exacerbation of respiratory conditions due to air quality degradation.

Vector-Borne Diseases

As global temperatures rise, the geographic distribution of vector-borne diseases is expected to change significantly. Diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, may see increased transmission rates as climate change allows these vectors to thrive in previously inhospitable regions. For instance, malaria is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical climates; however, warmer temperatures could expand its range into temperate regions, affecting populations that lack immunity and adequate healthcare resources (Patz et al., 2005).

Likewise, developing countries, where healthcare systems are less resilient, are likely to suffer the most. Regions in Africa and Southeast Asia are at heightened risk as increasing rainfall and temperature create favorable environments for disease vectors while simultaneously straining healthcare systems already under pressure (Githeko et al., 2000). As climate change progresses, the forecast for vector-borne diseases appears grim, particularly in areas where public health infrastructures are inadequate.

Food and Water Scarcity

Another significant public health impact stemming from climate change is food and water scarcity. Changing weather patterns, including increased droughts and severe flooding, directly influence food production. For example, prolonged droughts can lead to crop failures, reducing food availability and increasing prices (Lobell et al., 2011). This scarcity has different implications for developed and developing countries. In developed nations, food systems may adapt and find alternative sources; however, in developing regions, reduced agricultural output can exacerbate malnutrition and related health issues (FAO, 2018).

Moreover, access to clean water is projected to decline, increasingly impacting health in vulnerable populations. In regions where flooding occurs, water supply systems may become contaminated, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2014) has reported that as many as 200 million additional people could face water shortages by 2050 due to climate change. The future of public health related to food and water security is contingent upon immediate action to bolster water management strategies and improve agricultural resilience.

Increased Respiratory Conditions

Air Quality is another crucial area impacted by climate change, with significant implications for respiratory health. Climate change is linked to increased ground-level ozone and particulate matter, both of which aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (D’Amato et al., 2014). As temperatures rise, ground-level ozone concentrations increase, leading to poorer air quality and heightened respiratory issues, especially in urban environments.

Both developing and developed countries will see an increase in respiratory illnesses, but the effects may be felt more acutely in urban areas of developing nations, where pollution control measures are often weaker and healthcare systems are less equipped to handle the increased demand (World Bank, 2016). The future will likely see a greater burden of respiratory diseases unless actionable mitigation strategies are prioritized.

Mitigation and Response Plans

To address these public health challenges, various mitigation and response plans are currently in place globally. The WHO has initiated programs aimed at strengthening health systems' resilience to climate change, promoting integrated health and climate policies (WHO, 2015). Additionally, international agreements such as the Paris Accord encourage nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate-related health impacts.

However, assessing the feasibility of these plans presents challenges, particularly in developing countries where financial and technical resources may be limited. The implementation of effective mitigation strategies often relies on international cooperation and investments to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the most support.

If I could design a plan to address these climate-induced public health issues, it would focus not only on mitigation but also on integrating technology and local community involvement. Technology could streamline food distribution, improve water management systems, and facilitate better disease surveillance. Community engagement would empower local populations to take proactive measures regarding their health, ensuring sustainability and resilience.

Conclusion

The health impacts of climate change are complex and multifaceted, affecting food security, vector-borne diseases, and respiratory health differently in developed and developing regions. As climate change becomes more severe, it is crucial to bolster mitigation plans to protect public health. By focusing on improved infrastructure, enhanced healthcare systems, and community engagement, it is possible to create a more resilient future in the face of climate challenges.

References

• D’Amato, G., Cecchi, L., Bonini, S., Nolard, N., & Akdis, C. A. (2014). Allergenic pollen and pollen allergy in Europe. Allergy, 69(4), 530-542.
• FAO. (2018). The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2018. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
• Githeko, A. K., Lindsay, S. W., Func, F. W., & Patz, J. A. (2000). Climate change and vector-borne diseases: A review of the evidence. Environmental Health Perspectives, 108(2), 159-199.
• Lobell, D. B., Schlenker, W., & Costa-Roberts, J. (2011). Climate trends and global crop production since 1980. Science, 333(6042), 616-620.
• Patz, J. A., Epstein, P. R., Burke, T. A., & Balbus, J. (2005). Global climate change and health: A systematic literature assessment. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(12), 1404-1409.
• United Nations Development Programme [UNDP]. (n.d.). Environment and energy: Climate change and CDM. Retrieved from http://www.undp.org
• WHO. (2014). Climate change and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/globalchange/en/
• WHO. (2015). COP21 and health: Climate change and health in 2015 and beyond. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/globalchange/en/
• World Bank. (2016). Climate change action plan. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC]. (2007). Climate change 2007: Impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. Cambridge University Press.