Doctors issue call to combat climate change
Climate change is already harming peoples health by promoting illnesses linked to warmer temperatures and changing weather patterns, a leading group of U.S. doctors says in a new position paper.
As a result, the American College of Physicians (ACP) is calling for aggressive, concerted action to fight climate change by curbing man-made greenhouse gas emissions.
Respiratory illnesses, heat stroke and infectious diseases like Zika virus, dengue fever and cholera are flourishing as global temperatures rise, said Dr. Wayne Riley, president of the college.
Our climate is already changing and people are already being harmed. If we dont begin to address climate change, were going to see more and more manifestations of these health problems, Riley said.
There is clear, compelling scientific consensus that climate change is real, he added. There is no dispute.
In the paper, published online April 18 in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, the ACP outlines the health problems that it says climate change is already creating:
Respiratory illnesses, including asthma and COPD. Rising temperatures are causing an increase in ozone pollution, smoke from wildfires, and allergens produced by weeds, grasses and trees. Homes affected by heavy rains or flooding can become host to toxic mold and fungi.
Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are particularly dangerous for children and the elderly.
Insect-borne illnesses, like Zika virus, dengue fever and chikungunya, which are ranging farther north as mosquitoes thrive in warmer climates.
Water-borne illnesses, such as cholera,
which can spread if drought causes poor sanitation or if heavy flooding causes sewer systems to overflow.
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Mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression connected to natural disasters, as well as the anxiety and stress that accompanies days of hot weather.
Think about what happens during a heat wave, Riley said. Peoples irritability and anxiety increases, starting a chain of events that can lead to behavioral health problems.
The ACP is urging its physician members to both speak out for climate change policies in their communities, and to lead the way by promoting energy efficiency in their own practices, said Bob Doherty, the ACPs senior vice president of governmental affairs and public policy.
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