Dr Chris Oura and Dr Sandeep Maharaj
Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI
Due to its size and location, the Caribbean is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change.
As emerging nations with economies based on climatically vulnerable industries like tourism, agriculture, and fishing, Caribbean nations are particularly affected by the continued rise in sea levels, changes in rain patterns and temperatures, and intensifying natural disasters.
The significant impact on human health from climate change in the Caribbean is projected to continue and worsen both via direct pathways (storms, floods, droughts, and heatwaves) as well as indirectly through changes in water quality, air quality, food security and vector-borne disease patterns. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global temperature must be kept to 1.5°C to avoid catastrophic health effects and millions of fatalities brought on by climate change. By 2030, it is anticipated that the direct health harm from climate change will range from US$2 to US$4 billion annually. The areas least equipped to manage, plan and respond to the health effects of climate change will be those with limited health infrastructure, like many Caribbean countries.
[caption id="attachment_1005344" align="aligncenter" width="378"] Prof Chris Oura -[/caption]
The impact of climate change on human life and health can take many different forms. It puts at risk the fundamental components of human health, such as clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supply, and safe shelter, aggravating already-existing health disparities within and between populations. The disruption of food systems, rise in diseases that pass from animals to humans (zoonoses) and food-water- and vector-borne diseases, as well as mental health problems are all significant effects of climate change on health.
Additionally, many of the social factors that influence health, such as access to healthcare, equality, and livelihoods, are being weakened by climate change. The most vulnerable and disadvantaged people, such as women, children, ethnic minorities, poor communities, migrants or displaced people, elderly populations, and those with underlying health issues, are disproportionately affected by these climate sensitive health concerns.
[caption id="attachment_1005345" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Sandeep Maharaj -[/caption]
The extent to which transformative action is taken now to reduce emissions and stop the crossing of potentially calamitous temperature thresholds and irreversible tipping points will increasingly determine the long-term results. Increasing amounts of research point to the possibility that increasing public support for the efforts required to reduce emissions must be accomplished by informing people about the health impacts associated with climate change, as well as the means to address them. Consequently, health professionals have a unique chance to identify themselves as credibl
