How Climate Impacts Health
Climate change impacts can cause injuries and death, worsen pre-existing conditions such as asthma, create mental health problems, and more. Some health impacts are a direct result of the changing climate while others are indirect.
Heat stroke is an example of a direct impact of extreme heat. Rising temperatures lead to more extreme heat days with high temperatures and high humidity. This can increase heat exposure leading to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. In this case, the high temperature itself causes negative health outcomes making it a direct impact.
Hurricanes and mental health are a good example of indirect impacts. Hurricanes and major flood events can destroy homes and infrastructure and lead to loss of homes and belongings. Families must leave their homes, cope with the loss of personal belongings, and some may have to stay in shelters which can cause indirect health impacts like increased stress and anxiety.