We’ve all heard of “the inconvenient truth”- that the excessive release of greenhouse gases as a result of human activities is causing changes in our environment and a rise in the global mean temperature.
If you’re someone who thinks that climate change will not affect you right now, and is only affecting animals in Antarctica, think again. Scientists have been using Predictive Modeling to forecast the impact of climate change on the spread of infectious diseases, and we’re already witnessing the realization of some of these predictions.
Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans via certain species of mosquitoes. The Malaria belt follows areas where these mosquitoes can survive. A changing climate involving an increase in temperature and rainfall in certain areas of the world, means that the geographic range habitable to these mosquitoes is expanding, allowing the malaria belt to expand with it. Of course, other factors play a role when it comes to the extent of the consequences; lack of sanitation and access to basic health care systems in some regions of the world translate into higher rates of infections and worse patient outcomes.
The fungus Cryptococcus gattii, that causes lung and brain infections in humans, previously only found in Australia and subtropical regions, is now found in Vancouver Island and the lower mainland. The establishment of this fungus is thought to be facilitated by warmer, drier summers in these areas.
It’s apparent that climate change will have a major impact on our health. One more reason to start caring about your role in all of this. Any ideas / tips on what people can do to make a positive change?
IMAGE CREDIT: Here.
SIMILAR POSTS:
PREVIOUS POSTS: « Eastern Invasion: This Week in Music. | MAIN PAGE | 4TheRcrd: Gender Issues This Week »
Comments
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 20th, 2008 at 4:46 pm and is filed under Controversy, Education, Environment, Health, Nature. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
…Dood, i’ve been running away from mosquitoes ever since i took up sweet water fishing. Great article Haneen. Jark.
I agree – great article. In terms of the causes of climate change, it’s been estimated that agriculture accounts for between 10-30% of the greenhouse gases that impact the climate. Supporting local producers; growing-your-own food; eating closer to home… all of these tactics help reorient us to a positive (or should I say (carbon) neutral) direction. Thanks for this piece.