The impact of climate change on environmental health: what are the solutions for a sustainable future?

Climate change and environmental health? These two major current challenges are closely linked. From local initiatives to international agreements, through individual choices and technological innovations, numerous actions are already being implemented to meet the challenges they pose to us. What are they? How can we act quickly to save our planet and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all living species?

What is environmental health?

Environmental health studies the interactions between the environment and human health. It aims to understand how environmental factors, such as the quality of air, water, soil, soil, exposure to chemical products, the quality of housing, the workplace, consumer habits, climate change, can impact the health of individuals. This discipline also seeks to identify health risks associated with the environment and to develop strategies to prevent or mitigate them. In short, environmental health works to promote a healthy environment for all, recognizing that human health is intrinsically linked to the health of our planet. It highlights the need to improve the state of the environment in order to improve the state of human health.

Did you know that? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in Europe, environmental factors that are avoidable or that can be eliminated are responsible for 1.4 million deaths per year, representing at least 15% of total deaths. 
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Climate change, the number one enemy of environmental health

Global warming and its consequences on water and ecosystems

Global warming, caused in particular by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, is causing an increase in average temperatures and upheavals in ecosystems. These disturbances have a direct impact on human health. These include increased deaths from heat waves, the spread of infectious diseases, and water contamination. The modification of biological cycles and the degradation of natural habitats also threaten biodiversity and the ecosystem services that people depend on.
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Extreme weather events

Hurricanes, floods and droughts, all of these extreme weather events, are on the rise. They are the cause of accidents, illnesses and deaths, but they also impact infrastructure and ecosystems. In addition, natural disasters linked to climate change have serious consequences on the mental health of affected populations, with disorders such as post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety.

Chemical substances in the environment

Climate change can also lead to an increase in the release of chemical substances into the environment, due to the degradation of soils and ecosystems. Exposure to these chemicals can have harmful effects on human health, including causing respiratory problems, allergies, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. The prevention and reduction of exposure to chemical substances are therefore crucial environmental health issues.

The impact of climate change on human health and ecosystems

The increase in infectious and vector-borne diseases

The spread of infectious diseases is favored by climate change. This one in fact creates conditions conducive to the proliferation of vectors (mosquitoes, ticks, etc.) and changes the geographical distribution of pathogens. Populations around the world are at increased risk of contracting diseases such as malaria, dengue, or chikungunya. In addition, the deterioration of water quality can lead to the multiplication of bacteria and parasites, increasing the risks of waterborne diseases.

Recently and powerfully, the COVID-19 pandemic has vividly highlighted the connections between human health and the environment. Why? This disease is a zoonosis, which means it has been transmitted from animals to humans. This transmission is often associated with the destruction of natural habitats, logging, loss of biodiversity, and wildlife trade. Ecosystem health is therefore intrinsically linked to human health, and the protection of biodiversity is essential to reduce the risk of future pandemics.

Deterioration of air quality and its effects on health

Global warming also has an impact on air quality because it promotes the formation of pollutants such as tropospheric ozone and fine particles. These have harmful effects on human health, including causing respiratory problems, allergies, and cardiovascular diseases. The fight against air pollution is therefore a major environmental health issue.

Increased risks of malnutrition and food insecurity

Agricultural production and the availability of food resources are impacted by climate change. It leads to increased risks of malnutrition, especially in developing countries. The most vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women, are particularly exposed to these risks. Preserving and improving food systems is therefore essential to ensure food security and the health of populations.

Ecosystems, witnesses and victims of climate change

Ecosystem disturbances and their consequences on human health

Ecosystems provide ecosystem services that are critical to environmental health, such as air and water purification, climate regulation, and protection against soil erosion. However, climate change is threatening their ability to produce them. The consequences are multiple, ranging from the disappearance of species to the degradation of natural habitats, including the modification of biological cycles. These disturbances have direct and indirect impacts on human health.

Endangered species and biodiversity loss

Global warming contributes to the loss of biodiversity by threatening species and their habitats. Their disappearance has an impact on all ecosystems and on environmental health, by disrupting food chains and reducing the resilience of ecosystems in the face of change.

Taking action for environmental health: solutions to climate change

The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the energy transition

To combat climate change and maintain environmental health, it is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes the transition to renewable energies, the improvement of energy efficiency and the promotion of more sustainable lifestyles.

Adaptation to climate change and the resilience of populations

Adapting to climate change is also necessary to protect human health and ecosystems. This involves strengthening the resilience of populations and infrastructures in the face of extreme weather events, maintaining and restoring ecosystems and setting up early warning systems.
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The preservation and restoration of ecosystems

Preserving and restoring ecosystems is critical to maintaining environmental health and fighting climate change. Healthy and resilient ecosystems are in fact capable of sequestering carbon, regulating the climate, and providing ecosystem services that are essential to human health.

At LIFE, our mission is to work on it day after day. To do this, we are in particular implementing reforestation campaigns with HIS SHOOT to restore degraded areas. In the field, we don't just plant crops! We are setting up the ground for a real revival of the local ecosystems on which we operate. In Indonesia, for example, in Sumatra, the reconstitution of the mangrove is done in collaboration with the population and the local government. Trainings are offered to villagers in order to understand the interest they have in maintaining it. A source of income and sustenance, it is vital! Forestry, creation and sale of products made from mangrove products, batik production, etc. An entire ecosystem is revitalized. Environmental health is ensured.
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The National Health and Environment Plan (PNSE) in France: evaluation and prevention

Many countries are putting in place tools to work for environmental health and fight climate change. In France, the National Health and Environment Plan (PNSE) is one. Created in 2004, it aims to reduce the impacts of pollution and environmental pollution on human health, by acting on risk factors and by strengthening surveillance, research and prevention in this field. The PNSE is divided into several successive plans, each covering a period of a few years and setting objectives and priority actions at the national level. The main areas of intervention of the PNSE concern the quality of air, water and soil, the prevention of health risks associated with chemical substances, the promotion of environments favorable to health and the reduction of environmental inequalities. The regular evaluation of the PNSE makes it possible to adjust and improve the actions implemented, by integrating scientific advances and feedback. This approach ensures better consideration of environmental health issues and the constant adaptation of public policies to current and future challenges.

Faced with the challenges posed by climate change and its impact on human health and ecosystems, it is crucial to act in a concerted and determined manner. Preserving environmental health requires collective implementation, collaborative work ranging from policy makers to citizens, including businesses and civil society organizations. Together, within this framework, we can build a healthy and sustainable future for our planet and future generations.

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