The increasing global temperatures and widespread heat waves substantially impact human well-

being. According to Romanello et al. (2022), acute kidney injury, heatstroke, adverse pregnancy
results, disrupted sleep patterns, mental health implications, and elevated mortality rates can be
attributed to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Specific demographic groups, including
older adults, pregnant women, individuals experiencing social deprivation, and outdoor workers,
exhibit heightened susceptibility to these impacts. According to the findings of The Lancet
Countdown report, it has been observed that populations experienced a mean increase in summer
temperature that was twice as high as the global average between the years 2000 and 2021.
Moreover, it is worth noting that certain age groups particularly susceptible to heatwaves, such
as infants and older adults, observed a notable rise in their exposure to such extreme weather
events over this timeframe (chapter 4). These findings underscore the necessity of implementing
strategies to alleviate the health hazards linked to increasing temperatures and heat waves.

Climate-Sensitive Infectious Disease

Vector-borne diseases, such as mosquitoes, exhibit heightened susceptibility to the impacts of

climate change. Diseases such as dengue, malaria, Zika, and chikungunya exhibit diverse spatial
and dynamic temporal patterns due to the constantly evolving climate conditions. Lancet
Countdown report found that the climate conditions necessary for the spread of dengue fever by
Aedes mosquitoes had significantly increased. More specifically, climate suitability for Aedes
aegypti has increased by 11.5% between 1951 and 1960 and 2012-2021, while for Aedes
albopictus, it has increased by 12.0% between the same periods (Romanello et al., 2022).
Malaria transmission seasons in mountainous regions of the Americas and Africa have increased
during the same timeframe. This observation indicates that the temporal range for malaria
transmission in these highland regions has been prolonged due to changes in climatic conditions.
The changes in transmission seasons have significant implications for the susceptibility to
malaria within these geographical areas. The heightened adaptability for disease transmission
and the extension of transmission periods emphasize the pressing necessity for proactive
interventions to prevent and control the dissemination of these illnesses. To effectively mitigate
the effects of climate change on vector-borne diseases, it is imperative to implement
comprehensive strategies encompassing various components, including surveillance, vector
control, public health interventions, and climate adaptation measures. These measures are crucial
for minimizing the risks of vector-borne diseases to human populations (Romanello et al., 2022).

Food Security and Undernutrition

The current global condition of food security and nutrition is encountering substantial challenges
due to the profound impacts of climate change. The confluence of climate change, the persistent
COVID-19 crisis, and regional conflicts have intensified the prevalence of food insecurity and
undernutrition at a global level. One of the primary factors contributing to this issue is the
decrease in the length of crop growth seasons due to rising temperatures. The decrease in the
allotted duration for crops to undergo growth and maturation has significant complications for
largely grown crops such as maize, rice, and wheat, resulting in a decline in agricultural
productivity and an increase in levels of food insecurity (Romanello et al., 2022). Climate
change not only has direct consequences on crop production but also exerts indirect effects on
food security by impacting marine ecosystems. The adverse impacts of climate change, namely
coral reef bleaching and the subsequent decline in fishery productivity, present substantial
obstacles to the sustainability of marine food resources. These challenges exacerbate the
vulnerabilities linked to food security, specifically in coastal communities that heavily depend on
marine resources for sustenance and livelihoods. The Lancet Countdown report highlights the
association between the frequency of heat waves and the heightened prevalence of food
insecurity. According to Romanello et al. (2022), a significant increase in food insecurity was
observed among more than 98 million individuals in 2020. This rise in food insecurity was
attributed to heatwave events, varying degrees of severity ranging from moderate to severe
(Chapter 4). These findings emphasize the necessity for prompt action in addressing climate
change to protect global food security and mitigate the worsening of undernutrition. Protecting
food security and effectively mitigating undernutrition in a changing climate can be achieved by
emphasizing action and adopting manageable practices (Romanello et al., 2022).

Conclusion

The impacts of climate change on global health are significant and diverse. Its implications on
human health are widespread, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and
environmental changes. Various studies have provided different perspectives on the health
implications of climate change, with a particular focus on the potential risks linked to
fluctuations in temperature, climate-related infectious diseases, and the issue of food security.
Urgent measures are needed to lessen these risks and safeguard global health. To establish a
resilient and healthy future amidst the challenges posed by climate change, it is imperative to
undertake endeavours aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, fostering sustainable
practices, bolstering public health infrastructure, and prioritizing the needs of vulnerable
populations (WHO, 2021). Recognizing the interconnectedness of climate change and health and
pursuing holistic approaches that address this global challenge's root causes and consequences is
of utmost importance. The attainment of human health safety and establishing a sustainable
future for forthcoming generations necessitates implementing collaborative efforts.