Global warming is an increase in the average temperature of the Earth's air. If anticipatory steps are not taken immediately, this temperature increase will not only affect the global climate, but also the condition of human health on Earth.
Global warming can occur due to human activities, such as the combustion of vehicle engines or factories, which causes an increase in the levels of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere. This traps the sun's heat in the atmosphere and triggers an increase in Earth's temperature.
The increase in Earth's temperature is marked by rising sea levels due to melting glaciers and changes in rainfall patterns. Extreme weather phenomena are becoming more common.
The erratic climate change can affect the quality and cleanliness of the environment, such as air, water sources, and soil. If there is pollution, this will have an impact on human health.
Diseases Caused by Global Warming
There are several health problems that are prone to occur as a result of global warming, including:
respiratory disease
Global warming causes air pollution and other harmful gases to be trapped inside the Earth. This can make it easy for humans to inhale and increase the risk of developing respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
Children are the most vulnerable group affected by global warming. In addition, air pollution due to global warming can also damage the function and inhibit the growth of children's lungs.
Infectious diseases
Climate change causes air temperatures to rise and rainfall to increase. This is related to the increase in the number and expansion of the spread of disease-carrying animals, especially in tropical areas such as Indonesia.
One of the most common disease-carrying animals is the mosquito. These animals mediate various diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and elephantiasis.
Mental illness
Climate change can trigger natural disasters, such as storms, floods, droughts, and heat waves. Dealing with disasters related to climate and weather can actually cause stress, anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
In addition to trauma due to losing a home or job, the death of family members due to natural disasters can also be a trigger for the various mental illnesses mentioned above. Exposure to extreme heat is also closely linked to increased alcohol abuse and even suicide attempts.
The effects of global warming are also associated with aggressive and violent behavior in society. Scarcity and declining quality of food as well as the potential for increased disease transmitted by insects, can be the impact of global warming that is at risk of causing mental illness.
People with mental health disorders are more vulnerable to the effects of global warming. This is because certain types of drugs related to psychiatric problems will interfere with a person's ability to regulate body temperature and their body's sensitivity to hot air.
Effects of Global Warming on Death Rate
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change risks adding 250,000 deaths per year by 2030–2050. This is due to the increasing cases of malaria and diarrhea, malnutrition in children, and pollution that have an impact on unhealthy lifestyles.
Exposure to extreme high temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration and even immediate death from heatstroke (heat stroke), especially in the elderly.
How to Protect the Earth from Global Warming
Climate instability can threaten human health and life. Therefore, there are some simple steps you can take to protect the Earth from the effects of global warming, namely:
- Turn off electronic devices after use or when not in use.
- Limit the production of waste by using enough water when bathing or washing.
- Use public transportation and reduce the frequency of using private vehicles.
- Plant plants in the yard or in pots.
- Keep the environment clean and dispose of garbage in its place.
- Recycle paper or plastic waste that can be processed and reused.
Some of the above preventive steps you can take to reduce the effects of global warming and maintain the survival of the next generation.
If you experience the symptoms of the disease due to global warming that have been mentioned above, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath, immediately consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.