Bracing for Impact: How Climate Change Could Escalate Disease Risks and Why Health Insurance is Vital
The threat posed by climate change is an urgent global problem with far-reaching effects on many facets of our lives, including public health. The incidence of disease outbreaks and the likelihood of health complications may rise in tandem with the regularity and intensity of extreme weather events.
As such, all individuals must thoroughly understand the potential effects of climate change on their health to take the necessary precautions.
In this detailed article, we explore the effects of climate change and its impact on the risks of disease and discuss the significance of health insurance in reducing these risks.
What is climate change?
Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature patterns, precipitation levels, and other atmospheric conditions that result from human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases.
These gases, like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, gradually increasing global temperatures. The consequences of climate change are wide, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and shifts in ecosystems.
Causes of climate change
The core driver of climate change is burning fossil fuels like oil, coal, derived gas and natural gas for energy production and transportation. This consequently releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. In practice, the accumulation of these gases in the atmosphere leads to a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and causing global warming.
Effects of climate change
The effects of climate change are already felt worldwide, and their impact on human health is significant. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, and worsen air quality.
Extreme weather events, like hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, heat waves, floods, and droughts may result in injuries, displacement, and the disruption of healthcare services.
Flooding
Flooding is a common consequence of climate change, particularly in low-lying areas and regions prone to heavy rainfall. Floodwaters can contaminate water supplies, leading to waterborne health risks[1], including:
Water and food-borne diseases
Floodwaters can pose a severe public health risk, especially if they mix with sewage systems—becoming a breeding ground for waterborne pathogens like Vibrio cholerae[2] and Salmonella typhi[3].
Consequently, they may contaminate water sources and food supplies, leading to outbreaks of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and gastroenteritis[4]. To exacerbate issues, floodwaters may introduce contaminants to the food supply chain[5] via the inundation of agricultural fields— potentially triggering symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting among the general public.
Leptospirosis
This bacterial infection is commonly associated with floodwaters and likely result in serious health complications if not treated promptly. Mostly, a leptospirosis[6] outbreak may occur due to water being contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rodents.
If left untreated, this disease may lead to severe health complications, such as kidney and liver damage, respiratory distress, and meningitis. Some of its early symptoms may escalate, including muscle pain, fever, and headache.
Conjunctivitis
Floodwaters may carry eye irritants, leading to an increase in conjunctivitis[7] cases. The pollutants, mud, chemicals, debris, and microbial agents may create a potential hazard for individuals coming into contact with the floodwater, particularly when it reaches the eyes. Thus potentially leading to pink eye/conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Mosquito-borne diseases
Stangnant water after flooding creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya virus[8], zika virus[9], and yellow fever.
Typically, mosquitoes tend to lay their eggs in still waters, and unfortunately, flooded areas usually leave stagnant water sites in the aftermath of a flood. Consequently, the increased mosquito population poses a public health risk, amplifying the transmission of the diseases mentioned above.
Rising temperatures and air pollution
As global temperatures rise, the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and dehydration, also increases. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may lead to cardiovascular and respiratory problems— particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Additionally, rising temperatures contribute to smog formation and air pollution, which may worsen respiratory diseases like asthma.
El Nino risk in Malaysia
El Niño, an unusual climate pattern[10], may have several dire implications for public health in Malaysia, primarily through its influence on rising temperatures and increased air pollution. During El Niño events, Malaysia typically experiences drier and hotter weather conditions that may contribute to heat-related health issues, such as heat stress, dehydration, and heatstrokes.
Additionally, the drier and hotter weather can lead to water scarcity, impacting sanitation and hygiene. Consequently, this poses additional public health challenges while increasing the concentration of air pollutants.
Haze
Haze from forest fires, often associated with El Nino events, may have severe health consequences. The smoke and particulate matter released during these fires may cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other respiratory illnesses.
Industrial air pollution is another significant contributor to poor air quality, which may have long-term health effects, including respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems.
Heatstroke
Rising global temperatures increases the incidence of heat-related illnesses, particularly in urban areas with diminished air quality due to pollution.
In practice, this combination of excessive heat and poor air quality may impair the body's ability to cool itself through sweating, resulting in heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke[11].
Impact of climate change on finances and health
The impacts of climate change extend beyond physical health and have significant economic implications.
Economic burden
Climate change-related diseases come with substantial treatment costs. Additionally, the loss of income due to health issues and societal impacts, such as property damage from flooding, adds to the economic strain. These factors can have far-reaching implications for individuals and communities.
Emotional and physical health effects
Climate change may lead to stress, anxiety, and deteriorating health quality. The constant threat of extreme weather events and the emotional toll of dealing with their aftermath may affect mental and physical well-being.
How to prevent climate change
Preventing climate change requires collective action and individual responsibility. While mitigating the root causes of this global issues, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, may seem daunting on a personal level, we can take some proactive steps to make a difference.
These include conserving energy, reducing waste, supporting sustainable practices, and advocating for policies that prioritise environmental protection. Involving youth in climate change initiatives12 can also foster a sense of responsibility and inspire future leaders.
Health insurance for climate change diseases
Having adequate health insurance is crucial in the face of escalating disease risks associated with climate change. It provides financial protection and peace of mind by covering the costs of medical treatments, hospitalisation, and medications, ensuring that individuals can access necessary healthcare services without the added financial burden.
Medical insurance
Medical insurance covers many healthcare expenses, including hospitalisation, surgeries, and diagnostic tests. It provides financial protection, ensuring that people can access necessary medical care without paying a high price.
Critical illness insurance
Critical illness insurance provides a lump-sum amount when the insured is diagnosed with a critical illness. This financial support can help cover treatment costs and alleviate the financial strain of managing a severe health condition.
Comprehensive medical insurance coverage may help ease the financial burden of climate-related health issues. Furthermore, it empowers individuals to seek timely medical attention, receive appropriate treatments, and focus on their recovery— without worrying about the associated costs. In essence, having health insurance is vital in the era of climate change, as it provides a safety net and promotes overall well-being.
Conclusion
As we have shared, the deteriorating climate landscape may contribute to direct injuries and a range of health risks. The effects of climate change on human health are significant and urgent. The urgency of this systemic issue underscores the need for policy interventions and public awareness to safeguard the well-being of future generations in the face of a rapidly changing climate.
Additionally, individuals need to have health insurance coverage to protect themselves and their financial well-being against the potential health risks associated with climate change. With health insurance, one can safeguard their well-being and prepare themselves for a more resilient future by bracing themselves for the effects of climate change.
References
[1] Floods and Risk of Disease, Available at http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/floods-risk-disease/
[2] Cholera - Vibrio cholerae infection, Available at https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/index.html
[3] Typhoid Fever (Salmonella Typhi), Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519002/
[4] Gastroenteritis, Available at https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/
[5] Guidance for Food Industry: Evaluating the Safety of Flood-affected Food Crops for Human Consumption, Available at https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-evaluating-safety-flood-affected-food-crops-human-consumption
[6] Leptospirosis, Available at https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/
[7] Conjunctivitis: What Is Pink Eye?, Available at https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/pink-eye-conjunctivitis/
[8] Chikungunya Virus, Available at https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/index.html
[9] Zika Virus, Available at https://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html
[10] El Nino to worsen haze in Malaysia, say experts, Available at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/30/el-nino-to-worsen-haze-in-malaysia-say-experts
[11] Heat exhaustion and heatstroke, Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/
[12] NRECC designates spot for youth rep in Climate Change Consultative Panel, Available at https://thesun.my/local/nrecc-designates-spot-for-youth-rep-in-climate-change-consultative-panel-OA11558798