Ancient Indigenous lands of the American Redoubt face a harsh future Is it Colonizer Karma? Nope, Just Dumb Luck...More Southwesterly Midwestern cities face the threat of extreme heatwaves, lack of water resources and access to energy. The University of Notre Dame’s Global Adaptation Initiative researchers concluded! It's not just heat but declining aquifers that matter most.
When considering the impact of climate change on different regions, it is crucial to understand the potential consequences that may arise in the future. For instance, a visit to Missouri today can provide a glimpse into the climate conditions that New York City is projected to face by the year 2080. Missouri stands out as one of the warmest states in the Midwest, indicating the significant changes brought about by global warming in various parts of the world.
Regions such as North America, Europe, and Oceania have already witnessed substantial shifts due to the effects of global warming. Despite these observable changes, there remains a lack of unified action among nations to transition from reliance on oil to embracing green energy alternatives. This reluctance to address the root causes of climate change suggests that the environmental challenges will persist and potentially worsen in the coming years.
Looking at the broader implications of a 2-3°C increase in global temperatures, the impact on public health becomes evident. Such a rise could lead to a significant rise in malaria cases worldwide, with an estimated additional 150 million cases and a 5% increase in the number of individuals at risk. Furthermore, water scarcity exacerbated by climate change could result in compromised water quality, leading to an increase in waterborne diseases like diarrhea.
The projections for the future paint a concerning picture, with an expected surge in diarrhea-related deaths among children under 15 by 2030. Surprisingly, a considerable proportion of these fatalities are predicted to occur in developed nations, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of climate change on public health.
Specific case studies, such as the spike in malaria cases in Pakistan between 2021 and 2023 following devastating floods, underscore the immediate impact of environmental disasters on disease prevalence. The increase in malaria-related deaths globally, as reported by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, points to the complex interplay between climate change and health outcomes.
While progress had been made in reducing malaria deaths in previous years, the resurgence observed in 2020 highlights the vulnerability of populations to environmental shifts. Factors such as the expansion of mosquito populations and disruptions in malaria prevention and treatment services contribute to the resurgence of this deadly disease.
The rise in malaria cases outside of Africa, where significant advancements had been made in combatting the disease, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address climate change and its health impacts globally. The utilization of herbal remedies like Artemisia annua (Artemisinin) as a treatment for malaria (and Covid) highlights the potential for innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change on public health.
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