Health and Climate Change

Unraveling the Connections

1st Edition - November 15, 2024
Editors: Saroj Pachauri, Ash Pachauri, M.P. Jonathan
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 2 9 2 4 0 - 8
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 2 9 2 4 1 - 5

Health and Climate Change: Unraveling the Connections researches the linkages between climate change and human health as reported from Mexico, the UK, USA, India, Bangla… Read more

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Health and Climate Change: Unraveling the Connections researches the linkages between climate change and human health as reported from Mexico, the UK, USA, India, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Cameroon. The book's chapters cover the multidimensional impacts of climate change on various aspects such as habitability, biodiversity, natural resources, and human health. This information from developed and developing countries will be of immense interest to the global audience of researchers, activists, governments, and others.

Climate change, one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, has serious adverse effects on human health. Extreme climate events increase mortality and morbidity, the prevalence of water- and vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, and respiratory diseases. Climate change has serious effects on mental health. Mental health is impacted directly and indirectly resulting in mental illnesses and suicidal mortality. Global heating, due to the increasing greenhouse effect, has disturbed the energetic balance of the Earth and destroyed its fragile climate. It is creating an atmospheric imbalance with toxins that are affecting the human nervous system and, thereby, impacting health.

Title of Book
Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
List of contributors
About the editors
About the authors
Foreword I
Foreword II
Preface
Acknowledgments
Acronyms
Theme 1: The impact of climate change on human health due to anthropogenic activities
Chapter 1. Global warming impacts on earth: damage to human health
Abstract
1.1 Introduction
1.2 A sick planet
1.3 Tipping points in the climate system
1.4 The effects on human health
1.5 Undernutrition
1.6 Violating children’s rights
1.7 The consequences of undernutrition
1.8 Food carbon footprint
1.9 Conclusions
1.10 Open access
References
Chapter 2. Understanding the dynamics of climate stress and mental health in urban and rural India
Abstract
2.1 Context
2.2 Objectives
2.3 Approach and methodology
2.4 Study area and participants
2.5 Limitations of the study
2.6 Results and discussion
2.7 Climate change related fears and stress: rural settings
2.8 Conclusions
References
Chapter 3. The intricate relationship between the human brain and anthropogenic global warming: impact of global warming on mental health
Abstract
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Impact of global warming on adults
3.3 Impacts of global warming on children
3.4 Cobenefits of climate action on mental health
References
Chapter 4. Scorching heat impact on health: increasing deaths from mental health problems
Abstract
4.1 Background
4.2 Climate change is rising: now is the time!
4.3 Extreme heat and human health
4.4 Heat waves: a concern for mental health
4.5 Effect on different populations
4.6 General population
4.7 Vulnerable psychiatric patients
4.8 Children
4.9 People in informal settlements/ outdoor workers
4.10 People who live in poverty
4.11 Are there gender differences in vulnerability?
4.12 Rise in suicides: directly or indirectly related to heat waves?
4.13 Burden on healthcare system
4.14 Conclusions and way forward
References
Chapter 5. Proposal for postmetaphysical thinking to face the challenge of the Anthropocene and climate change
Abstract
5.1 Introduction
5.2 The emergence of climate change and of the Anthropocene: its Anthropogenic origins
5.3 Coining the term Anthropocene: its link with climate change. First incidents on sentient life
5.4 The extinction of the Pleistocene megafauna
5.5 The Neolithic Revolution
5.6 The discovery of America
5.7 The Industrial Revolution
5.8 The great acceleration
5.9 Environmental consequences of the Industrial Revolution and the Great Acceleration
5.10 Various positions concerning the acting functions (anthropic and nonanthropic) of environmental impact. The positions of Manuel Arias Maldonado, Bruno Latour, and Timothy Morton
5.11 The ontological implications of the “death of nature” and its correlation with the postnatural, posthumanistic, and postepistemological period
5.12 The origin of the hybrid phenomena and their ontological consequences for contemporary thinking
5.13 How to think of health in times of climate change?
5.14 Conclusions
References
Theme 2: The impact on microplastics, endocrinal disrupting agents, and sargassum on health
Chapter 6. Enemies of the hormones: microplastics and endocrine disruptors impacting public health
Abstract
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Endocrine disruptors
6.3 Methodology
6.4 Microplastics in particle form
6.5 Microplastics in chemical form
6.6 Risk assessment
6.7 Discussion
6.8 Concluding comments
References
Chapter 7. Effects of plastics and microplastics on marine ecosystems: a global review
Abstract
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Characteristics and durability of plastics
7.3 Additives used in the manufacture of plastics
7.4 Plastic pollution
7.5 Forms of microplastic contamination
7.6 Primary microplastics
7.7 Secondary microplastics
7.8 Intake and impact on marine life
7.9 Economic importance of fishing and its effect by microplastics
7.10 Discussion and conclusions
References
Chapter 8. The impact of Sargassum on human and environmental health: a study in Mexico
Abstract
8.1 Background
8.2 The issue of Sargassum in Mexico
8.3 Literature review
8.4 Study on Sargassum undertaken in Quintana Roo
8.5 Limitations
8.6 Research results
8.7 Discussion
8.8 Concluding comments
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 9. Massive presence of Sargassum on the coasts of Quintana Roo, Mexico, and its relationship with human health and air quality
Abstract
9.1 Introduction and background
9.2 Methodology
9.3 Effects of methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide on human health
9.4 Measures implemented
9.5 Discussion
9.6 Conclusions
References
Theme 3: Impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across varied regions using the lens of equity and justice
Chapter 10. Our children’s health depends on climate action
Abstract
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Urgency of climate action
10.3 Key health impacts
10.4 Air pollution
10.5 Wildfires
10.6 Temperature extremes
10.7 Precipitation extremes: heavy rainfall, flooding, and droughts
10.8 Infectious disease: diseases carried by vectors
10.9 Mental health
10.10 Climate change and children’s rights with a health focus
10.11 Children and health
10.12 Extreme heat
10.13 Extreme weather events
10.14 Wildfire smoke and aeroallergens
10.15 Food and water insecurity
10.16 Air quality
10.17 Vector-borne diseases
10.18 Mental health
10.19 Children from frontline communities/environmental equity
10.20 Recommendations
10.21 Investing in youth capacity
10.22 Put children at the center
10.23 Building the capacity of healthcare systems
10.24 Conclusions
References
Chapter 11. Climate change and health issues: an Afrocentric perspective
Abstract
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Climate change and Africa
11.3 Climate change and health in Africa
11.4 Primary effects of climate change on health in Africa
11.5 Secondary effects of climate change on health in Africa
11.6 Tertiary effects of climate change on health in Africa
11.7 Focusing on vulnerable populations
11.8 Mental health and climate change
11.9 What do we need to do?
11.10 Conclusions
References
Chapter 12. Climate change impact on health in Bangladesh
Abstract
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Methodology
12.3 Bangladesh: a climate-vulnerable country
12.4 Climate change-health nexus in Bangladesh
12.5 Vector-borne diseases
12.6 Water-borne diseases
12.7 Air pollution and respiratory illness
12.8 Heat-induced illnesses
12.9 Salinity intrusion and maternal health
12.10 Postdisaster burden of mental health
12.11 Health systems readiness to address climate sensitive health risks
12.12 Health service delivery system
12.13 Health systems resilience
12.14 Discussions
12.15 Climate change health nexus
12.16 Health-systems resilience
12.17 Policy and governance
12.18 Health workforce
12.19 Institutional capacity
12.20 Integrated surveillance
12.21 Conclusion
References
Chapter 13. Climate change and its impact on women in South Asia: evidence from a gender lens
Abstract
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Infancy and preadolescence
13.3 Adolescence (10–19 years)
13.4 Climate change and social protection
13.5 Environmental refugees
13.6 Reproductive roles
13.7 Productive roles
13.8 Fisheries and aquaculture
13.9 Women and technology
13.10 Community roles
13.11 Women in old age
13.12 Gender-sensitive responses to climate change
References
Chapter 14. Civilization resilience: a new perspective for addressing climate change and health threats
Abstract
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Civilization resilience: exploring the concept
14.3 Theoretical underpinnings of Civilization Resilience: a body of knowledge
14.4 Applying Civilization Resilience: methodological framework
14.5 Applying Civilization Resilience to addressing climate impacts and health threats in Indigenous communities
14.6 Conclusions
References
Theme 4: Interdisciplinary, multisectoral, and multilevel interventions to mitigate the effects of climate change
Chapter 15. Unraveling mental health effects of extreme climate in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scooping discrete choice case study in Nigeria
Abstract
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Delta State
15.3 Kogi State
15.4 River State
15.5 Jigawa State
15.6 Taraba State
15.7 Lagos State
15.8 Anambra State
15.9 Bayelsa State
15.10 Benue State
15.11 Cross River State
15.12 Discrete clinical assessment on how climate induced floods generated anxiety and grief which resulted in elevated blood pressure and arrhythmia
References
Chapter 16. A case for nature: the climate and public health co-benefits of nature-based solutions
Abstract
16.1 Introduction
16.2 What are nature-based solutions?
16.3 Climate benefits of nature-based solutions
16.4 Case study: ecosystem restoration
16.5 Case study: urban blue/green infrastructure in New York City
16.6 Health impacts of nature-based solutions
16.7 Extreme heat and nature-based solutions
16.8 Centering indigenous voices in nature-based solutions
16.9 Case study: Yurok Ancestral Territory, California (Yurok Tribe)
16.10 Limitations of nature-based solutions
16.11 Conclusion
References
Chapter 17. Active participation of youth in addressing climate change issues
Abstract
17.1 Climate change: facing the unknown
17.2 “I have a voice and I must speak”: young leaders in action
17.3 A look into the future: lessons and recommendations
References
Chapter 18. Climate change, health, and leadership: a 4M approach to complex challenges using Integral Theory
Abstract
18.1 Introduction
18.2 A coherent approach to complex problems
18.3 Lessons from public health in solving (or failing to solve) complex problems: the cost of neglecting interiority
18.4 Lessons at the intersection of public health and climate change (the UN 2015 agenda): a complex problem with a comprehensive solution
18.5 Summary of lessons
18.6 Leadership as the inner capacity to integrate multiple worldviews and facilitate alignment
18.7 Developing inner capacity: self-awareness and self-reflection
18.8 Integral solutions to complex problems: multisectoral, multilevel, multidisciplinary, and multidimensional
18.9 Conclusion: integral ecological transition
References
Chapter 19. Facing the climate-human health challenge: role of governmental and nongovernmental organizations in India
Abstract
19.1 Introduction
19.2 Climate change and human health impacts in India
19.3 Role of government organizations in tackling climate health challenge
19.4 Role of nongovernmental organizations in tackling climate health challenge
19.5 Nongovernmental organizations and their major areas of work
19.6 Conclusions
Appendix 19.1 Detailed survey questionnaire to assess efforts of governmental organizations
Appendix 19.2 Detailed survey questionnaire (Google form) to assess efforts of nongovernmental organizations
Appendix 19.3 List of selected NGOs and their contributions
References
Chapter 20. Climate change–WASH services–health nexus: the Indian case
Abstract
20.1 Introduction
20.2 Climate change–WASH–health linkages: the global context
20.3 Global and regional recognition of the issue of climate change–WASH–health
20.4 Climate change–WASH–heath nexus in the Indian context
20.5 Conclusion, recommendations, and way forward
Acknowledgments
Declaration of competing interests
References
Chapter 21. The giving economy: a future of negatively priced goods and services
Abstract
21.1 Introduction
21.2 The global water crisis: a deeper dive
21.3 The historical context of water scarcity
21.4 Case studies: the transformative power of water in action
21.5 The humble beginnings
21.6 The future
21.7 Conclusions
Index

Saroj Pachauri

As a public health physician, Dr. Pachauri has been extensively engaged with research on family planning, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS, and poverty, gender and youth. In 1996, she joined as Regional Director, South and East Asia, Population Council and established its regional office in New Delhi which she managed until 2014. In 2011, she was awarded the prestigious title of Distinguished Scholar, an honor rarely bestowed.

She worked with the Ford Foundation’s New Delhi Office (1983-1994) and supported child survival, women’s health, sexual and reproductive health, and HIV and AIDS programs. Before that, she worked with the International Fertility Research Program (IFRP) which was later renamed Family Health International (1971-1975) and the India Fertility Research Programme (1975-1983). She designed and monitored multi-centric clinical trials globally to assess the safety and effectiveness of fertility control technologies. During 1962-1971, as faculty of the Departments of Preventive and Social Medicine at the Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi and the Institute of Medicine Sciences, Varanasi, she helped to develop this new discipline.

She has published seven books and contributed chapters to 20 books. She has over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals and several articles in print media.

Affiliations and expertise

Public Health Specialist, Trustee, Center for Human Progress, New Delhi, India, and Director, the POP (Protect Our Planet) Movement, New York, USA

Ash Pachauri

Dr. Ash Pachauri has a PhD in Decision Behavior and a Master’s Degree in International Management. He worked with McKinsey and Company before pursuing a career in the social development arena, Dr. Pachauri’s experience in the fields of public health and management emerges from a range of initiatives including those of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the US. He is a co-editor of three books and has contributed chapters to over six books and has more than 50 publications. He is Technical Adviser to the World Health Organization on Self-Care global guidelines.

Affiliations and expertise

Director, Center for Human Progress, New Delhi, India, and Senior Mentor, the POP (Protect Our Planet) Movement, New York, USA

M.P. Jonathan

Dr. M.P. Jonathan has proficient expertise in the fields of marine geochemistry and trace metal pollution of aquatic environments. He earned a doctorate in the field of geology from the University of Madras, Chennai, India. He is the author of more than 140 research articles on numerous multidisciplinary aspects of coastal pollution in reputed journals. With a wide vision to generate a database of the pollution status in tourist beaches all over the world, he has completed 10 countries till date and it is expanding year by year to other countries. He is a great teacher in orienting and inspiring young researchers to develop an urge for writing good scientific articles through his “Art of Scientific Writing” course. He has partaken in various bilateral and mega scientific research projects in India, Mexico, South Africa, Colombia, and Ecuador which deal with coastal pollution and development/mitigation efforts through mangroves. His research interests include geochemical process in aquatic systems, environmental geology, tsunami (past and present), microplastic degradation, fish toxicology, Geographic Information System (GIS) applications and innovative approaches in pollution studies. Presently, he works as a research professor and is also a Member of National System of Researchers (Sistema Nacional de Investigadores - SNI Level III) of the National Council for Humanities and Technological Sciences [Consejo Nacional de Humanidades Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCYT)]. He also attests his abilities as the Coordinator of Doctorate program at the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on Environment and Development [Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD)], National Polytechnic Institute [Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN)], Mexico City, Mexico. In addition, he acted an Executive Council Member (Consejo General Consultivo 2019-20) of IPN, Mexico City, Mexico. He is also an editorial committee member of the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Journal (Springer Verlag) and Environmental Pollution (Elsevier) and is a member/reviewer of leading journals of Elsevier and Springer Verlag Publishers.

Affiliations and expertise

Professor and Researcher, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Ciudad de México, México

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Health and Climate Change

Unraveling the Connections

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