The Human Toll: Social and Economic Impacts of Climate Change
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| Climate change impacts the economy, environment, and health of all living things |
We can all agree that the human dimension of climate change includes various challenges (and opportunities), such as health issues, economic disruptions, migration crises, agriculture and food production, and increased social inequalities. While discussions more often focus on the environmental impacts of climate change, the consequences for human societies are also very disruptive and extensive. This section discusses how rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing ecosystems affect human lives and livelihoods, stressing the interconnected nature of climate and society.
Public Health Implications
Climate change breeds a significant public health crisis, aggravating pre-existing health challenges and generating novel health issues. The alterations in environmental conditions brought about by climate change — such as increased air pollution, extreme weather events, and shifting patterns of infectious diseases — compound vulnerabilities in populations, leading to a rise in respiratory diseases, heat-related illnesses, and other health complications. Furthermore, socioeconomic disparities may amplify these effects, necessitating a comprehensive approach to mitigate the health impacts associated with climate fluctuations.
Heat-Related Illnesses and Deaths
As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves are escalating. For instance, a record-breaking heatwave in the Pacific Northwest in 2021 resulted in hundreds of heat-related fatalities, highlighting the severe implications of extreme heat. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk. Heat-related illnesses and deaths are estimated to account for around 25% of all climate-related health risks (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022).
Vector-Borne Diseases (700,000/annum)
The rise in temperatures and alterations in precipitation patterns are expanding the habitats of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. This shift facilitates the spread of illnesses like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease into previously unaffected areas, presenting substantial public health challenges (Githeko et al., 2000). For example, the warming climate is projected to increase malaria transmission in highland regions of Africa and South America. The recent figures indicate that vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases worldwide, resulting in over 700,000 deaths annually (WHO). The burden of vector-borne diseases continues to rise as climate change alters the habitats of vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Air Quality and Respiratory Illnesses (7% and 5% globally)
Climate change worsens air quality, as increasing temperatures lead to increased formation of ground-level ozone. Moreover, wildfires and forest fires, intensified by climate warming, emit particulate matter contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. A notable example is the 2020 Australian bushfires, which increased hospital admissions for respiratory conditions due to fire (Johnston et al., 2021). Recent studies indicate that air pollution, exacerbated by climate change, is responsible for approximately 7% of respiratory illnesses and about 5% of cardiovascular diseases globally (World Health Organization, 2021).
Climate change disrupts food production and water availability in agricultural areas, resulting in a lack of food, increasing poverty, malnutrition, and associated health consequences. The recent and unusual prolonged droughts, such as those in the Horn of Africa, diminish crop yields and livestock productivity. At the same time, the decreasing amount of water supplies heightens the risk of waterborne diseases. It has been reported that around 30% of the world's population experiences high water stress, and food security is severely affected, with an estimated 811 million people undernourished in 2020, reflecting a concerning trend due to climate factors (FAO, 2021).
Economic Costs ($23 trillion)
Climate change presents a daunting challenge to economies around the world, impacting various sectors, from agriculture to tourism. The financial repercussions of failing to address this issue will likely outweigh the investments needed for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. By proactively implementing sustainable practices and renewable energy solutions, we can protect our economies and foster resilience in the face of environmental changes. It is estimated that climate change could cost the global economy $23 trillion by 2050 if no action is taken to mitigate its effects (NCE, 2019). These figures underline the disproportionate impact on nations with limited resources, exacerbating existing inequalities.
Damage to Infrastructure ($167 billion)
The hurricanes that hit the United States just before the presidential elections in 2024 demonstrate how much damage climate change can cause, even to strong nations. Extreme weather events brought about by climate change, such as hurricanes, floods, shifting landmass, rising seawater, and wildfires, inflict extensive infrastructure damage. In 2022, the United States experienced approximately $165 billion in damages from 22 climate-related disasters (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA], 2023). Coastal cities face potential losses of billions due to rising sea levels, with countries like Bangladesh and numerous island nations being particularly vulnerable.
Impacts on Agriculture
The impact of climate change on farmers has devastating effects at various levels. The increasing temperature levels, precipitation patterns, and growing seasons disrupt agricultural production, endangering food security and livelihoods. In Sub-Saharan Africa, erratic rainfall patterns have led to diminishing crop yields. At the same time, regions in North America have suffered significant declines in wheat and corn production due to persistent droughts.
Insurance and Financial Markets
Climate change can disrupt insurance systems and financial markets. The rising frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters are straining insurance markets. Insurers are burdened with increased claims, resulting in higher premiums and limited coverage options for high-risk areas. The Swiss Re Institute (2021) projects that if no action is taken, climate change could decrease global GDP by as much as 18% by 2050.
The economic repercussions of climate change are disproportionately felt. Developing nations contribute the least to global emissions and are frequently the most adversely affected due to their limited resources and inadequate infrastructure. This divergence exacerbates global inequalities, obstructing development and stalling economic progress.
According to a report by the World Bank, climate change could push around 130 million people into extreme poverty by 2030, highlighting the severe economic repercussions faced by developing countries (World Bank, 2021).
Displacement and Migration (216 million people)
Climate change is increasingly becoming the worst driver of human displacement, forcing millions to evacuate to secure sites or abandon their homes due to environmental and landscape changes and extreme weather events.
Climate Refugees
Rising sea levels, desertification, and natural disasters contribute to the emergence of climate refugees—individuals compelled to migrate because of adverse environmental conditions. According to the World Bank (2021), up to 216 million people will be displaced by climate change by 2050, particularly in vulnerable regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.
Urbanization and Overcrowding
As rural areas become uninhabitable due to droughts, floods, or soil degradation, many individuals relocate to urban centers, resulting in overcrowding and increased pressure on infrastructure and resources. For instance, Dhaka, Bangladesh, is experiencing rapid urbanization driven by rural displacement caused by flooding and salinity intrusion (UNEP, 2022).
Geopolitical Tensions
There are well-documented cases of people migrating from one area, region, or country due to climate change. Climate-induced migration can intensify geopolitical tensions, particularly in regions with limited resources. It forces masses of people to abandon their harsh and inhospitable environment for areas, regions, or even territories not their own. For example, competition over water resources in the Middle East and North Africa has been linked to conflicts exacerbated by climate stress (Hsiang et al., 2013).
Climate Inequality and Vulnerable Populations
The impacts of climate change disproportionately affect marginalized communities, worsening existing inequalities and introducing new vulnerabilities.
Countries in the Global South, historically contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions, suffer the most severe consequences of climate change. Their limited financial resources, technological capabilities, and infrastructure limit them from adapting to these changing conditions (UNEP, 2022).
Indigenous peoples, who often inhabit climate-sensitive regions such as the Arctic, forests, and deserts, suffer heightened vulnerability due to the impacts of climate change. For example, the diminishing amount of food immediately available and other natural resources limit them to survive using non-sophisticated technologies. The threat posed by environmental changes and displacement jeopardizes their traditional knowledge and practices that serve a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. According to the United Nations (2018), it is estimated that around 370 million Indigenous peoples globally are directly affected by climate change, facing increased risks to their livelihoods and cultural practices.
Women and Children
Women and children represent some of the most vulnerable groups in regions affected by climate change. Women, who are typically the primary caregivers and providers of food and water, encounter increased workloads and suffer health risks. Fetching water takes longer as the nearby water wells dry up. Vulnerable children are at greater risk of malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and heat stress, which can have long-term implications for their development, overall well-being, and future.
The number of women and children affected by climate change is substantial, with estimates indicating that up to 1 billion women and children could face increased vulnerabilities due to climate impacts. According to a report by the United Nations (2021), climate change exacerbates existing inequalities, placing additional burdens on these groups regarding health, nutrition, and access to resources.
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