Climate change impact people around the world in different ways. The level of impact depends on the climate of the area and the wealth of the country.
Must read: Impact of climate change
Climate change effects are ‘stress multipliers’, which means that they often make existing problems more severe.
Heatwaves
It is expected that most regions will experience more intense heatwaves. In countries that are already hot, the human heat stress limits will be exceeded more often, which is dangerous.
Over the past few years, heatwaves have been the deadliest global weather hazard.
Heat stress
Increased daytime temperatures, reduced nighttime cooling and higher air pollution levels associated with heat events can affect human health. Extreme heat events can trigger a variety of heat stress conditions, such as heat stroke.
Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. Body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body cannot cool down. This condition can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.
Flooding
An increase in flooding is another danger. Countries that flood regularly, such as Bangladesh, are expected to see even more regular floods, putting more communities at risk.
Must read: Rise of surface temperature brings severe consequences
Rising sea levels cause problems for people around the world. Nearly 4 in 10 people (39%) live within 100 kilometres from a shoreline and are at risk of flooding if sea levels continue to rise. 600 million of these people live in a ‘low-level coastal zone’, and 200 million on a coastal flood plain.
Floods can also happen when heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems or bursts river banks. In heavily concreted urban areas and cities, the effect is more severe because the water cannot sink directly into the soil. Flooding causes severe damage to buildings and transportation, which can be very costly and hard to recover.
Risk to water supplies
Climate change is exacerbating both water scarcity and water-related hazards (such as floods and droughts), as rising temperatures disrupt precipitation patterns and the entire water cycle. Water and climate change are inextricably linked.
Must read: Crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources
Damage to infrastructure
In coastal regions, rising sea levels and more extreme storms can lead to more storm surge and flooding, which can damage roads, bridges, railways, ports, and coastal airports. Increased local flooding can affect roadways and tunnels, weaken roadway materials, and cause traffic congestion
Conflict and climate migrants
If our climate continues to change, many parts of the world will become more challenging places to live. People may have to leave their homes. Climate is just one of many factors that influences human migration, but it will play an increasing role in the future.
Food insecurity
As our climate warms and rainfall patterns change, it may be harder to grow enough food in some areas. The climate will change which crops can grow in different regions. Some places may be able to grow new crops, but many places will experience reduced crop production, especially in hotter countries.
Must read: Climate change and global food security
Colder countries are likely to see higher yields because there will be a longer growing season and higher carbon dioxide concentrations. However, these effects may not last if warming continues in the longer term.
Must read: Adverse affect of climate change on countries dependent on agriculture
More extreme weather events could also disrupt access to food, impacting transport from farms to shops, which can affect vulnerable people.
Habitable region of pests expanding
Due to warming pest incidences are increasing even in the temperate and colder climates leading to loss of crops.
Decline in fish catch
Fish catch of the global ocean is expected to decline by 6 percent by 2100 and by 11 percent in tropical zones.
External link: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health
