Health Impacts of Climate Change

Find materials not only on the effects of climate change on ophthalmology, but how it is affecting all aspects of human health, health equality, and health-care delivery. .

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Impacts of Climate Change on Ocular Health: A Scoping Review 

Climate change is likely to increase the incidence of cataracts, severe allergic eye disease, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, trachoma infections, vitamin A deficiency, and eye injuries.

The Public Health Impact of Climate Change

Victor Dzau, MD, President of the National Academy of Medicine, provides an overview of the public health impact of climate change (speaking to the 2022 Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health Annual Meeting).

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Climate Change Is Affecting Our Health. Is There a Cure?

Public health is being impacted by climate change via many pathways: from alterations in infectious disease transmission to water-source compromise, malnutrition, air pollution, and other factors. This Tedx talk by Jonathan Patz, MD, MPH, son of Arnall Patz, MD, the discoverer of ROPincludes recent analyses that show how mitigating global warming provides extensive health opportunities, as well as major savings in healthcare costs.

 

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Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health

The AAO and ASCRS are members of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health. The mission of the Consortium, launched in 2016, is to organize, empower, mobilize, and amplify the voices of US doctors. In partnership with public health experts and fellow health professionals, the Consortium advocates for equitable climate solutions that protect and promote the health of all people.


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Plastic & Health: The Hidden Cost of a Plastic Planet

Despite the omnipresence of plastics in our everyday lives, there is surprisingly little data on its impact on human health. This sweeping report details the distinct risks posed by each step of the complex plastic lifecycle.

For instance, in extracting and refining fossil fuels for plastic production, highly toxic chemicals are released, including known carcinogens and substances hazardous to reproductive and developmental health. Plastic waste management processes, like incineration, expose workers and neighboring communities to lead, mercury, acid gases, and organic chemicals with harmful consequences.

Tackling the plastic pollution crisis demands a global, transparent approach, prioritizing the right to a healthy life and environment. Effective solutions must focus on reducing the production, use, and disposal of plastic and its associated toxic chemicals.



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Climate change and global health: A call to more research and more action

Climate change and increased pollution will have a profound and mostly harmful effect on human health. This review brings together international experts to describe both the direct (such as heat waves) and indirect (such as vector-borne disease incidence) health impacts of climate change. These impacts vary depending on vulnerability (i.e., existing diseases) and the international, economic, political, and environmental context. This unique review also expands on these issues to address a third category of potential longer-term impacts on global health: famine, population dislocation, and environmental justice and education.

 

Climate Resources for Health Education

CHRE is an collection of expert-reviewed learning resources for incorporation of climate change education in health curricula. There is open access to case studies and slide decks, and you can contribute material to the collection.

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Climate Rx

ClimateRx allows those interested in the intersection of eye care and environmental health to join a broader community of health professionals dedicated to climate/health education, action and advocacy. The site provides accessible links to user-friendly resources such as relevant peer-reviewed publications and 'prescription' pages in both English and Spanish providing education on the health impacts of climate change. Such resources can help physicians develop a toolbox to connect with patients, colleagues and political leaders. Eye care professionals can also register for a free training eligible for CME credit sponsored by ecoAmerica to become a Climate for Health Ambassador to further their role in climate action and advocacy.

Summary by Shefali Sood, MD MPA

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