Impact of Climate Change on Public Health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58676/sjmas.v3i5.132Keywords:
Climate change, Public health, Infectious diseases, Mental health, ResilienceAbstract
Background: Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, exerting wide-ranging effects on ecosystems, economies, and human health. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, food insecurity, and the spread of infectious diseases are increasingly recognized as significant threats to public health, with vulnerable populations facing the highest risks.
Methods and Materials: This study employed a mixed-methods approach that combined a comprehensive literature review with an applied intervention. Peer-reviewed research articles, WHO and IPCC reports, and epidemiological studies were reviewed to identify links between climate variables and health outcomes. Additionally, a workshop series for healthcare professionals was developed, focusing on stress management, mindfulness practices, and coping strategies to address climate-related stressors. Data collection tools included validated stress and resilience surveys and qualitative interviews.
Results: The review confirmed clear associations between climate change and health outcomes, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, malnutrition, mental health issues, and increased incidence of vector-borne diseases. Workshop evaluations indicated improvements in healthcare professionals’ resilience, stress awareness, and coping mechanisms. Findings suggest that combining research synthesis with practical interventions strengthens both academic understanding and real-world preparedness.
Conclusion: Climate change poses significant and diverse risks to public health that demand urgent, coordinated responses. Preventive strategies, adaptation policies, and capacity-building interventions for healthcare workers are essential to mitigating impacts. Integrating evidence-based research with practical resilience-building initiatives provides a sustainable framework for addressing the health consequences of climate change.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Aina Binti Abdul Jalil, Dr Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenios
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