Linkages between health, environment, and climate change
There are many and complex linkages between health, environment and climate change but it is evident that negative environmental impacts affect the quality of life and can cause diseases, injuries, and death. Low-income countries are particularly vulnerable, where people living in poverty, especially women and children, are disproportionately affected. Overall, environmental degradation burdens the health systems.
A healthy environment improves societal well-being and resilience
Efforts to improve environmental quality and strengthen climate adaptation, such as better waste management, reducing pollution, and protecting biodiversity, play a crucial role in creating healthier and more resilient communities. Biodiversity is key to robust and resilient food systems, and investing in crops and practices that benefit both people and local ecosystems is essential for achieving long-term sustainability. Ensuring access to affordable and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems is vital for improving public health and limiting the spread of water- and vector borne diseases, such as malaria and cholera. Developing and improving sustainable energy solutions, such as low-emission transportation systems and clean cooking, can significantly reduce or eliminate health risks from air pollution. Limiting these “avoidable” health risks can also reduce pressure on already strained health systems.
Unhealthy environments negatively affect human health
Pollution is a severe and increasing threat to human health and is responsible for between 9 and 12 million deaths annually. Pollution increases the risk of heart and lung diseases and exposure to hazardous substances, such as heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants, can result in both physical and cognitive challenges. Marginalised people, minorities and people living in poverty experience the most severe and frequent impacts. Women, children, and elderly are particularly exposed to air pollution from cooking smoke, often with severe health consequences. Lack of access to sustainable WASH services can result in serious diarrhoeal diseases, to which children are especially vulnerable. Lack of access to safe hygiene facilities near workplaces can also constrain women’s mobility and negatively affect their health, for example during menstruation.
Extreme weather events, caused by climate change, can affect the quality of the health care systems, as it could erupt operations, harm facilities and hinder access. Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are particularly affected when access to health services declines, especially before, during, and after natural disasters. Health care and pharmaceuticals will also be affected by the deterioration of biodiversity, since around half of both traditional and modern medicines consists of natural sources such as plants. The wide range of health impacts resulting from environmental degradation and climate change put pressure on health care systems that are already under considerable strain.
Poor health management in turn impacts the environment negatively
Poorly managed health systems can also harm the environment. This can happen through inadequate management of hazardous waste, chemicals and other types of pollution from pharmaceuticals, hospitals, and health centres, with untreated discharge of wastewater. While these environmental impacts are often localised, they can also have global impacts. One example is the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), driven by the misuse and over-reliance of antibiotics in health systems and animal husbandry.