The Multi-Dimensional Impacts of Extreme Weather Events on Human Health in a Changing Climate and the Evaluation of Climate Risks Specific to Vectoral Diseases

Abstract

The impacts and risks of climate change can directly and indirectly affect human health in the short or long term. Extreme temperatures can cause cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders and mental problems, as well as directly lead to death. While drought indirectly affects human health in terms of food and water security risks, sudden extreme weather events such as floods and hurricanes give rise to significant loss of life and become the source of various mental problems for individuals who have lost their relatives. Floods are also known to indirectly limit access to safe water and cause water-borne diseases, in addition to their direct physical effects. On the other hand, changes in temperature and precipitation regime bring on the spatial expansion of vector-borne diseases and an increase in the number of infected people through the migration of many living things. Considering these developments, diseases appeared by climate change were investigated in general dimensions in the study and specific vector-borne diseases were examined in detail and the climatic risks causing these diseases were evaluated. The study also investigated the health effects of climate change in Turkey within the scope of near and medium-term projections and diseases arising due to current climate changes. In addition, within the scope of climate change, nations’ health vulnerability and health system adaptation assessments are also included. As a result of the research, it has been found that with the increasing duration, frequency and severity of extreme weather events, there will be an increase in diseases posing a risk to human health and the size of their effects. Another finding is that vectors whose habitats expand and migrate with climate change and extreme weather events will pose a great risk for human health. In the study, it was concluded that in the long term, the risks that extreme weather events may pose in terms of water and food security may increase the number of regions and the human population where diseases caused by hunger, malnutrition and inadequate sanitation are already seen. In this context, based on studies dealing with the level of exposure to extreme weather events and potential risks, it can be expected that ideal climate conditions in which many vectors can live in the future, and an increase in vectorial diseases can be expected.