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22nd November 2023 (9 Topics)

Recognising the impact of climate change on health

Context:

India prepares for COP28, it's crucial to assess the impact of climate change on the country's health.

Climate Change Impact on Health in India

  • Fragile Health System: India's delicate health infrastructure intensifies susceptibility to direct and indirect health impacts, posing challenges amid rising global temperatures and frequent climate emergencies.
  • Climate Change's Toll on India: As global temperatures soar, India grapples with a surge in climate-related health issues, including illness, mortality, and cascading effects on nutrition and overall well-being.
  • Urgent Responses Needed: Addressing India's unparalleled health challenges requires prompt action, encompassing strengthened health systems, adaptive strategies, and global collaboration to mitigate the impacts of climate change on public health.

Double Burden of Morbidity

  • Climate Change's Impact on Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases: India grapples with an intensified health crisis as climate change amplifies the challenges posed by both communicable and noncommunicable diseases, altering disease patterns.
  • Nexus of Climate Change, NCDs, and Mental Health: Climate change's subtle yet profound impact on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health demands recognition, addressing a crucial aspect often neglected in India's healthcare landscape.
  • Urbanization Challenges: Rapid, unplanned urbanization exacerbates climate-related health risks in India's cities, necessitating urgent mitigation efforts, improved urban planning, and health systems resilience to tackle emerging challenges.

Urbanization, Urban Heat Island Effect, and Health in Urban India

  • Urbanization's Heat Trap: As cities expand without a plan, the urban heat island effect exacerbates climate impacts, compounding health risks and necessitating strategic interventions in urban planning.
  • Urban Health Challenges Amplified by Climate Change: Urban areas, grappling with air pollution and weak health infrastructure, face intensified health risks due to climate change. Holistic strategies are imperative for resilient urban health systems.
  • Resilient Cities: Mitigating climate-related health risks in urban India requires comprehensive measures such as urban planning reforms, green infrastructure development, water conservation, and robust public health strategies.
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