KUSA — The 2nd part of the Fourth National Climate Assessment Report was released last Friday. The first part of the report was released in 2017 and detailed the changes that were occurring to the Earth. The second part discusses the impacts on health, society and the environment, as well as highlighting actions people are taking throughout the U.S. to decrease the effects of climate change
9NEWS Medical Expert Dr. Comilla Sasson answers some common questions.
QUESTION: What is climate change?
ANSWER: Scientists say over time the Earth’s temperature has gradually increased, but since the late 1800’s, the rate of rise in temperature has been much faster than expected because of humans living on Earth. The Earth’s temperature has risen by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, with most of the earth’s warming occurring in the last 35 years. According to NASA, 2010-2016 were the warmest years on record. This is due mostly to an increase in carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases being released into the atmosphere, largely from burning of fossil fuels and cutting down forests. Together, this is known as the greenhouse effect, where the sun’s energy becomes trapped and cannot be released back to space, causing a rise in the Earth’s temperature.
QUESTION: What role does climate change play in the extremes we are seeing, with hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, and extreme flooding?
As the Earth’s temperature rises, we are seeing smaller snow packs here in Colorado. There are also higher temperatures, causing more extreme heat waves, drought conditions, and lengthening the growing season. The drought conditions can make areas much more prone to wildfires and infectious outbreaks, as well. The Earth’s increased temperatures are also causing the glaciers to melt, warming up the oceans and estimated to cause sea levels to rise 1-4 feet by 2100. And, we are seeing the effects of the warmer water, as hurricanes are becoming stronger and there is more rainfall associated with them.
QUESTION: How does the rise in temperature impact our health?
ANSWER:
• Decrease in Air Quality- This is a result of higher levels of pollutants in the air, as well as ozone levels being impacted. Areas with wildfires and droughts will have poorer air quality. Areas that get more rainfall than before will have more allergens in the air. Climate change also increases the amount of particulate matter in the air, which can worsen lung problems like asthma and emphysema, but also has an effect on the heart and can increase heart attacks.
• Increase in Allergens- With the change in air quality and changing drought versus rainfall, the amount of dust, pollen and mold in the air is changing and causing a worsening of seasonal allergies.
• Increase in Heat-Related Illnesses- This will be felt by older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with lower incomes who cannot afford cooling systems (like air conditioners or swamp coolers).
QUESTION: There is also a rise in diseases that can be spread because of changes in our climate. Can you discuss how the Earth’s warming can affect this?
ANSWER:
• Change in Illnesses Spread by Mosquitoes, Ticks and other Vectors- As the weather patterns change and we see warmer temperatures and more extremes in rainfall, we are going to see more illnesses spread by ticks and mosquitos like West Nile, Zika, Lyme Disease. These vectors can live longer, rapidly multiply, and spread diseases.
• Increase in Water-Borne Illnesses- The extremes in rainfall can cause sewage to back up and increase the number of bacteria, fungus, and viruses which survive in our drinking water.
• Food access and Food Safety- The changes in the growing season can disrupt the delicate balance of our farmers and their growing seasons. Combined with extreme weather, this can cause a crisis in accessing food, and even alter the number of bacteria in our food supply. This can put more people at risk for life-threatening diarrhea/vomiting and other gastro-intestinal illnesses.
QUESTION: What can people do now to take care of their health?
ANSWER: States are doing more to help with extremes of weather conditions (e.g. cooling areas during heat waves), preparing for wildfires, climate-proofing health care system infrastructure (e.g. making sure hospitals are prepared for hurricanes), monitoring the water supply especially during drought seasons, and actively watching for disease outbreaks. In addition, everyone can do their own part by decreasing their carbon footprint by carpooling, avoiding air travel if possible, unplugging devices, using higher efficiency appliances, eating more local foods and less meat, or, better yet, having your own garden. For more ideas on how to reduce your carbon footprint
Follow 9NEWS Medical Expert Dr. Comilla Sasson on Facebook and Twitter. Have a medical question or health topic idea? Email Dr. Comilla at c.sasson@9news.com