Direct impacts of climate change on public health in the UK
Climate change UK increasingly drives public health effects by intensifying extreme weather events, which pose immediate and severe risks. Heatwaves, becoming more frequent and intense, elevate rates of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially among vulnerable populations. Similarly, severe flooding causes injuries, waterborne diseases, and disrupts access to healthcare. These environmental health risks directly strain the healthcare system by increasing emergency admissions.
Additionally, air quality changes linked to rising temperatures and pollution have led to a noticeable rise in respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Poor air quality exacerbates asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), increasing hospital visits and mortality rates. Moreover, these health impacts do not occur in isolation; the stress and anxiety triggered by repeated climate emergencies contribute to a growing mental health burden, compounded by social disruption and displacement.
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Understanding these diverse public health effects clarifies why climate change UK demands urgent attention in environmental health policy. The spectrum of impacts, from physical illness to psychological strain, underscores the necessity for integrated responses addressing both immediate and chronic consequences.
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