The COVID microbe reminds us that biology can’t be spun or compromised; climate change teaches us the same lesson about physics and chemistry”. –Bill McKibben
The ongoing concern regarding the significant impact on global health and well-being arises from the disruption of ecosystems, which is evident in various aspects of daily life. For example, in Europe, one in ten children dies prematurely due to pollution. Additionally, nearly 10% of all cancers can be traced back to environmental and occupational hazards. The increase in temperatures related to climate change is also linked to higher rates of infectious, allergic, and food- and waterborne diseases.[ 1] India, as a tropical country, faces the challenge of climate change-induced heat waves during the summer months, particularly in its northern and central regions. These extreme temperatures not only lead to health issues such as hyperthermia and water scarcity but also contribute to rising inflation by disrupting agricultural productivity, hindering logistics, and affecting factory output. [ 2]
Ironically, the ecological imbalance we face today is the direct result of human actions fueled by growth and greed. As the old saying goes, “you reap what you sow.” However, the repercussions of these actions are not equally felt; they vary significantly across races, ethnic groups, social classes, and even countries. While some communities grapple with the looming threats to their basic needs, others continue to chase growth and development milestones, failing to realize that we are perilously close to an ecological catastrophe.
Ironically, the ecological imbalance is the ultimatum of anthropogenic acts driven by growth and greed.
In the worst-case scenario, who is going to be affected the most by climate change-induced health hazards?
Environmental factors appear to have a particularly strong effect on the health and well-being of society’s most vulnerable groups. In particular, those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds are subject to higher levels of air and noise pollution, as well as extreme temperatures, largely due to their economic constraints. These challenges serve to deepen existing health inequalities even further.[1]
Health inequities stemming from climate change can be observed at both societal and individual levels. For instance, the adverse effects of climate change disproportionately affect marginalized racial and gender groups. This is highlighted by the rising rates of prenatal hospitalization and premature births among racially minoritized women. [3]
Health inequities stemming from climate change are evident at both the social and individual levels. Environmental factors significantly affect the health and well-being of the most vulnerable groups in society, often exacerbating existing disparities.
The ethical and moral implications of climate change are profound, particularly for African nations that bear a heavy burden for a crisis they have done little to cause. These countries are experiencing severe health repercussions stemming from disruptions to both environmental and social factors that impact health. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa, there has been a dramatic rise in diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Lassa fever, Rift Valley fever, Lyme disease, Ebola, and West Nile virus. These increases can be linked to the ecological aftermath of floods and poor environmental hygiene. Furthermore, food insecurity and malnutrition have soared due to the damage caused by extreme weather events and the decline in drinking water quality, leading to an uptick in waterborne diseases like diarrheal illnesses, which are a major cause of mortality across the continent.[4]
Is it morally justifiable that Africa, having contributed only 3% to 5% of global cumulative carbon dioxide emissions, is still bearing the brunt of the consequences?
It’s truly absurd that environmental degradation stems from the unsustainable extraction and consumption of resources aimed at driving economic growth, which is supposedly focused on alleviating poverty. Ironically, it’s the socio-economically disadvantaged who bear the brunt of the climate crisis, exacerbating existing inequalities and rendering the promised benefits meaningless. Does this suggest that those claiming to address climate change or advocate for racial equity are merely engaging in tokenism or performative actions? Or are climate summits and conferences just diplomatic efforts to placate the voices of climate activists and humanitarians, without yielding substantial changes in our legal frameworks? Why are we not seeing bold, effective actions to tackle this destabilized health and ecological balance? Notably, healthcare systems contribute nearly 4-5% of global carbon emissions, with hospitals emitting 2.5 times more greenhouse gases than commercial buildings. [1] Ironically, the very systems designed to solve these issues are actually adding to the problems they aim to fix.
Ironically, the very systems designed to solve these issues are actually adding to the problems they aim to fix.
The wealthy tend to be indifferent to the health risks posed by climate change, while it is the underprivileged who suffer the most. Between this stark divide lies the heart of society, caught in the relentless grind of the capitalist rat race, juggling promotions, incentives, and insurance costs against the burden of rent, loans, and everyday expenses. Their minds are overwhelmed and stressed, making them less attuned to melting ice caps or rising sea levels. Are the affluent sheltered from ecological disaster thanks to high-tech innovations that promise to be their modern-day Ark, or are they simply hoping for a miracle?
According to the sociologist Jens Beckert and Richard Bronk,
“Under radical uncertainty, we have little choice but to lean on narratives about the future, and those narratives do real work. They structure what we expect, and in structuring our expectations, they help bring the future about”
What kind of future are we looking ahead to? Are we genuinely prepared to hand off this complex issue to the next generation?
How should I tackle this issue? By taking into account environmental factors alongside the health and well-being of the entire ecosystem, adopting a planetary health approach can significantly enhance the well-being of all living beings and the planet itself. This not only promotes overall health but also fosters resilience and equips societies to better manage health and environmental challenges, such as future pandemics and natural disasters. [1]
Although I may lack the power and resources of a large organization or a formal system, I deeply believe that I can contribute to addressing the climate health issue. As a public health researcher, I can engage in research, ask critical questions, and bring attention to this important cause.
What actions can you take as an individual to support the climate cause?
References
- Danielle B. Planetary health:A holistic vision for people and the planet. Sep 19, 2023. Discussion paper. Social Europe and Wellbeing Programme. European Policy Centre, EPC.
- Pradeep S. In 2026, climate change to become India’s defining economic variable. 02 Jan 2026. Insights.
- Deivanayagam TA, English S et al. Envisioning environmental equity: climate change, health, and racial justice. Lancet. 2023 Jul 1;402(10395):64-78. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00919-4. Epub 2023 May 29. PMID: 37263280; PMCID: PMC10415673.
- Atwoli L, Erhabor GE et al. COP27 Climate Change Conference: Urgent action needed for Africa and the world. Indian J Med Ethics. 2023 Jan-Mar;VIII(1):7-9. doi: 10.20529/IJME.2022.083. Epub 2022 Nov 9. PMID: 36352544.
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