As extreme temperatures and natural disasters increase, the devastation to human health around the world increases. Experts warn of another significant aspect of climate change, which threatens lives: the rapid increase in both infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Last year was the hottest on record, and 2024 is already on track to be even hotter. Researchers warn that climate change is causing the spread of diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya and malaria, which are transmitted by mosquitoes. Floods, cyclones and droughts are also contributing to the rise of other infectious diseases such as cholera.

Non-communicable but deadly diseases, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, are also linked to the climate crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that climate change is affecting health in many ways, including deaths and illnesses caused by extreme weather events and an increase in zoonoses, as well as food-, water- and vector-borne diseases.

According to the UN agency, deaths related to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress are expected to increase between 2030 and 2050, reaching 250,000 per year.

Vector expansion

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Climate change is causing global changes in pathogens, vectors and the behaviour of animals and humans. The WHO has seen a sharp increase in dengue fever this year, particularly in the Americas, where the number of cases has exceeded 7 million.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warns that climate change is creating favourable conditions for the spread of mosquitoes such as Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, which transmit dengue fever, chikungunya and other diseases.

The climate crisis is one of the factors influencing the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, along with travel, migration, land use and habitat changes. An article in the medical journal The Lancet confirms that chikungunya virus epidemics are on the rise and are spreading regionally to Europe and North America.

The impact of heat on heart health

Rising temperatures are also contributing to an increase in heat-related and heart-related illnesses. An environmental health researcher warns that the climate crisis is here and has devastating effects on human health. Higher temperatures can trigger heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases, especially in the elderly and individuals with existing health problems.

The WHO reports that deaths from heat-related causes among people over 65 increased by about 85% between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021. For example, in Europe, there were 61,672 heat-related deaths in 2022. People in the Middle East are most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, experts say, as the region is experiencing one of the fastest rates of warming.

Calls for change

Addressing these challenges requires policymakers to understand the reality of the climate crisis and take action to protect health. “The new climate is the reality of this generation and the generations to come,” Alahmad stressed, calling for urgent health solutions. (Co2AI).