Climate change and dermatology: An introduction to a special topic, for this special issue

Abstract

Anthropogenic global climate change is a well-documented phenomenon, which has led to average global temperatures climbing to approximately 1deg C above preindustrial(1850-1900) levels, with even higher regional deviations in some areas and significantly increased average warming in densely populated urban centers. In 2018, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change set a threshold of 1.5 deg C of average warming (above the pre-industrial baseline), beyond which our planet will become significantly less hospitable to human life. However, adverse human health impacts are already occurring due to current levels of global climate change, as summarized by publications such as The Lancet’s annual “Countdown on Health and Climate Change”; initiated in 2016. The human health impacts of climate change are truly cross-disciplinary, with nearly every medical specialty either already facing or set to face effects. The field of dermatology is not immune to these risks. This special issue of the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology is dedicated to the cross section of dermatology and climate change. This initial article will serve as an overview to introduce readers to the topic and to lay the groundwork for the rest of the issue. We are delighted to work with the Women’s Dermatological Society and welcome their support for this dedicated issue. Herein you will read from up-and-coming stars in the field and established experts, including articles on the following key areas: Infectious diseases, environmentally-friendly office practices, sunscreens & the environment, refugee health, heat-related illness, the effect of air pollution on the skin, the impact of climate change on pediatric dermatology, implications for skin cancer, and skin issues related to flooding and extreme weather events.

Hemp as a potential raw material toward a sustainable world: A review

“…Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emission has emerged as the most dominating factor for climate change [ 1 ] which is liable for an increase of nearly 1 °C of global temperature above preindustrial level [ 2 ]. As a consequence, it is gradually leading world habitants to extinction by opening vulnerabilities of natural systems.…”

“…As a consequence, it is gradually leading world habitants to extinction by opening vulnerabilities of natural systems. Temperatures exceeding species’ physiological tolerances, changes in precipitation patterns, melting ice caps and rising sea levels, positive impact on harmful species [ 3 ], extreme weather events, disease outbreaks, increased incidence of skin cancer [ 4 ], shifting wind patterns, and expanding fungal diseases, cropping season changes affecting agricultural yield [ 5 ], severe food shortage [ 2 ], and negative impact on livestock [ 6 ] are just a few of the most feared vulnerabilities.…”

“…In recognition of the issue, The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2018 has set a threshold of 1.5 °C temperature increase in average warming above preindustrial level [ 2 ], meaning that a rise in global warming beyond this level would make the planet less than suitable for human life. In accordance, scientists advise taking control of greenhouse gas emissions, low carbon economy, development of renewable resources, technological changes, and forestation for stopping global temperature rise [ 7 ].…”

Surveying the attitudes of dermatologists regarding climate change

“…The integument is not spared by climate change. Higher temperatures, decreased ozone protection, increased airborne pollutants and decreased protection against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can cause flares of atopic dermatitis, pemphigus, lupus and other inflammatory diseases, and increased rates of skin cancer 2 . Changing climate also influences the geographic distribution of vector‐borne infections 2 .…”

Combatting Climate Change: 10 Interventions for Dermatologists to Consider for Sustainability

“…Rising temperatures, increasing air and water pollution, and stratospheric ozone depletion will lead to expanded geographic ranges of vector-borne diseases, worsening of chronic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis/eczema and pemphigus, and increasing rates of skin cancer. 12 For instance, warmer temperatures have allowed mosquitoes of the Aedes genus to infest new areas, leading to outbreaks of viral illnesses with cutaneous manifestations such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus in previously nonindigenous regions. 13 Rising temperatures also have been associated with an expanding geographic range of tick-and sandfly-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and cutaneous leishmaniasis.…”