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Graph 1. Change in global average temperature per decade relati- underdevelopment of healthcare systems in vulnerable are-
ve to the mean temperature during the period 1850-1900 as drastically exacerbates the challenges of providing acce-
ssible and quality healthcare services, especially in extreme
situations caused by climate change 1, 2 (Graph 2).

The effect of climate change on human health is most
pronounced in sensitive and vulnerable population groups.
"Sensitivity" refers to internal, biological factors that can
increase the risk of health impairment in individuals when
exposed to environmental risk factors. Sensitivity is influen-
ced by genetics, age, and the presence of chronic diseases.
Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are generally
more vulnerable to diseases due to heatwaves, weather
changes, and infectious diseases, whether transmitted
through water, food, or vectors. Children are particularly
sensitive to the onset of asthma and allergic diseases re-
sulting from changes in plant vegetation periods caused by
Source: World Meteorological Ogranization. The Global Climate 2011-2020. A decade of climate change .
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acceleration climate change, 2023, No 1338.
atmosphere, ranging from 35 to 95 years, indicates the risk “Vulnerability“ refers to subpopulations of people who
of the long-term greenhouse effect (future climates) . are at greater risk of health impairment due to the effects
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of environmental factors, such as: poor and homeless po-
pulations (vulnerable to the adverse effects of temperatu-
Effects of climate change re changes); drug users, individuals with mental disorders,
on human health and socially isolated individuals (due to limited access to
healthcare services, food supply programs, and increased
The general impact of climate change on human health stress); evacuated populations due to natural disasters (at
is negative, and the severity of the ultimate effect on human risk of infectious diseases due to poor sanitation conditions
health depends on the frequency and type of climate risks and mental disorders resulting from acute or chronic stre-
(natural disasters, sea level rise, air pollution, vector distri- ss); outdoor workers, as well as residents in riverine or coa-
bution, water scarcity, reduced food production), human stal areas, exposed to floods, storms, or hurricanes.
exposure, existing factors of sensitivity and vulnerability in
the population, the capacity, organization, and accessibility The direct negative effects of climate change on human
of health services, the sustainability of infrastructure, water health arise from increased air temperatures, extreme we-
supply, energy systems, and agricultural resources during ather events, chemical and biological pollution, and an in-
weather emergencies caused by climate change . Between creased risk of infectious diseases. Indirect effects manifest
1
3.3 to 3.6 billion people today live in areas susceptible to the in compromised food production and transportation safety,
negative effects of climate change, with a mortality rate 15 disruptions in water supply, population migrations with
times higher from extreme weather events such as heatwa- potential conflicts, and frequent mental health disorders
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ves, storms, and floods, in vulnerable regions, as well as among people .
ecosystem disruptions, increased zoonotic diseases, food,
water, or vector-borne illnesses, and mental disorders. The
The influence of weather on human health
Graph 2. Effects of climate change on human health
Climate change directly affects human health through
natural disasters such as floods, droughts, wildfires, he-
atwaves, intensified hurricanes, storms, and more. Just in
2019, approximately 400 weather-related disasters were
recorded, resulting in around 12.000 fatalities and negati-
vely impacting over 96 million people . Changes in weather
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patterns lead to increased precipitation with more frequent
and intense floods, which are associated with increased
drowning, psychological disorders, disruptions in health-
care delivery, water contamination, increased risk of water-
borne diseases, as well as vector-borne diseases, especially
those transmitted by mosquitoes. Globally, most direct fa-
talities are caused by storms (39%) and floods (16%) . More
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Source: Watts N, Adger WN, Agnolucci P et ak. Health and climate change: policy respon- than half of the world's population lives within 60 km of the
ses to protect public health. Lancet 2015; 386 (10006):1861-914.

REVIEW PAPER Galenika Medical Journal, 2024; 3(9):54-61. 55