From warmer weather and wildfires to tornadoes and hurricanes, the effects of climate change are happening all around us. The link between heat waves, air quality and the spread of disease is creating new challenges for healthcare providers. Learn how you can reduce the impact of these health risks, prepare for severe weather events and use sustainable practices for a healthier future.
“Extreme weather events are on the rise and impacting public health in countless ways,” says Laurie Hommema, MD, senior medical director of Well-Being at OhioHealth. “Climate change and natural disasters can make many chronic medical conditions worse or very hard to treat.”
Climate change and health
Dr. Hommema explains that there are two significant ways that climate change affects human health. The first is the direct effect of an extreme weather event. Examples include a heat wave that causes heat-related illnesses or a hurricane that results in physical trauma or water-borne diseases. Prolonged power outages can make diabetes harder to manage due to uncertain food supplies and insulin storage. However, our health is also threatened by increasing ozone levels, wildfires and weather that impacts our environment.
“Changes in air quality, heat index and humidity can cause or worsen respiratory issues,” says Dr. Hommema. “We are also seeing more patients with tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses. This can be traced to warmer winter weather that doesn’t reduce our insect populations.”
Dr. Hommema says that people are also experiencing more climate-sensitive diseases such as seasonal allergies, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People who find their respiratory symptoms are worse in warmer weather should keep an eye on the air quality index. Seniors and young children have a higher risk of complications from lung conditions and should manage their disease with a medical provider.
Smoke from wildfires can drift for significant distances, and the heat traps air pollutants. If a wildfire impacts your air quality, Dr. Hommema says you should protect your lungs even if you don’t have a respiratory condition. Installing a filtration system on your HVAC unit and using air purifiers can help reduce the frequency of health problems related to poor air quality.
Certain medications can make you more susceptible to extreme heat. Some medications used to treat heart failure or cirrhosis, known as diuretics, can make you more prone to serious dehydration and kidney injury. Some mental health medications can increase your chance of becoming overheated.
Our mental health is also affected by climate change. Existing health threats and concerns about the future can increase rates of depression and anxiety. People who have experienced a natural disaster or extreme weather event often struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Hommema says that rising temperatures are also linked to increased violence.
Small changes make a difference
It can be overwhelming to think about our role in reducing climate change. Dr. Hommema stresses that small steps add up over time. Changing your landscaping to incorporate native plants and grasses helps with water conservation. Using mass transportation or carpooling reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
“Along with reducing our environmental impact where we can, it’s important to be prepared for natural disasters and extreme weather,” says Dr. Hommema. “We all need to have a safety plan in place for the event most likely to impact us. Keep extra medications and bottled water on hand, and have an idea of how you will manage without power or running water.”
As with many other conditions, some people are more impacted by the health challenges that come with climate change. Dr. Hommema says it’s important to identify communities with an increased risk, including under-resourced communities that do not have access to air conditioning, reliable heat, pools, shade and reliable nutrition. Children, the elderly and people with health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease need reliable access to healthcare services, climate-controlled spaces and clean drinking water.
Healthcare systems have plans in place to cope with mass casualties or surges in flu or COVID-19 patients. Dr. Hommema says health systems can use similar methods to accommodate patients’ worsening conditions due to poor air quality or temperature-related illnesses. Many hospitals are also treating infections that are new to their region. She says educating the public and providers about the symptoms of diseases related to climate change is prudent.
“Health equity is so important, and how we deliver care as a result of climate change has changed and should continue to evolve,” says Dr. Hommema. “This is a public health issue, and the reality is each of us is impacted by the global changes happening around us.”
As we navigate the complexities of climate change and its profound impact on public health, it’s imperative that we take actionable steps toward sustainability. By embracing eco-friendly habits, preparing for environmental challenges, and supporting health equity, we can foster a resilient community ready to face the future. Join us in our commitment to a healthier planet and people—explore OhioHealth’s sustainability initiatives at OhioHealth’s Sustainability Page. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
