Allergies and Asthma
Climate Change Impacts on Allergies and Asthma
Over the past two decades, the number of days in pollen season has more than doubled, causing a significant increase in allergy symptoms. This rise in pollen circulation not only worsens existing allergies but also leads to the development of new cases of allergies and respiratory illnesses, such as asthma. The impact of climate change on these conditions is undeniable.
Climate change contributes to the aggravation of asthma symptoms and the occurrence of new cases. The intensified sunlight resulting from climate change interacts with organic compounds present in the air, leading to higher levels of ground-level ozone. This atmospheric pollution has a detrimental effect on airways and can cause long-term lung damage, potentially resulting in premature death.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a global issue affecting over 800 million people, as reported by the United Nations. This problem is partially attributed to the impact of climate change, which has led to a growing inability to cultivate sufficient quantities of fruits, vegetables, and grains, resulting in increased levels of hunger. In addition, the scarcity and high cost of nutritious food in certain regions, combined with the easy availability of fast food, contribute to the prevalence of obesity. Both of these situations reflect different aspects of malnutrition, whereby populations suffer from inadequate nourishment, thereby increasing their susceptibility to long-term non-communicable diseases.