Heating up: climate change and the threat to human health

Abstract

Purpose of review This review discusses the urgency of addressing human-caused climate change and its impacts on health and the environment. Recent findings The latest evidence shows that current climate changes are primarily attributable to greenhouse gas emissions from human industrial activity. Exceeding 1.5°C of warming above preindustrial levels is projected to increase extreme weather events, increase rates of heat-related morbidity and mortality and vector-borne disease, exacerbate food and water insecurity, harm biodiversity and agriculture, displace communities, and disproportionately impact disadvantaged groups. Summary Urgent action is required to curb emissions, enact adaptation strategies, and promote climate justice. The healthcare sector must reduce its ecological footprint and prepare systems and workers to address climate change's health effects. Further research should support climate solutions while promoting health equity and environmental justice.