Public Health Challenges Due to Climate Change

Running head: PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
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1PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate Change and Epidemiology
Climatic changes have been associated with dynamic alterations in rainfall resulting in
warming of areas which were initially colder or drier for the habitation of vector organisms like
mosquitoes [1]. Thus, this results in increased transmission of vector borne diseases as a result of
climate change, as observed in Africa where climatic warming Eastern African highlands have
increased the epidemiology of malaria in that area [2]. Additional epidemiological impacts have
been observed in the Australian context where, a rise in temperatures due to warming – a
conducive environment for food borne disease-causing microorganism to proliferate – have been
associated with higher food poisoning incidences in Australia [3]. Likewise, the impact of
climate change on disease epidemiology is observed during the aftermath of natural disasters like
floods, which have been associated with damage or contamination to a nation’s water bodies and
sewerage lines and resulted water borne disease transmission [4]. In addition to the health
department, additional specialists like environmentalists as well as governmental department like
the Department of the Environment and Energy may need to be involved, as observed in the
implementation of disaster management strategies like the ‘National Climate Resilience and
Adaptation Strategy’ [5].
Population-based Strategies
A major population based strategy would include disaster management strategies such as
establishment of warning systems to ensure timely evacuation from the area, protection and
restoration of wetlands, establishment of pavements and walkways which can water from rising
sea levels to barrels or gardens and increased plantation of trees [6]. Additional strategies will