COVER PAGE

Title of the Project: Impact of Climate Change on the Diseases of Humans.

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 Abstract
Climate change is a pressing global issue with far-reaching consequences. This project explores the
impact of climate change on diseases affecting humans, plants, and animals. We investigate the
relationships between climate variables and disease prevalence, aiming to understand how shifting
climate patterns influence the spread and severity of diseases. Through data analysis and
interpretation, we provide insights into potential solutions to mitigate these impacts. This research is
essential for addressing the health and ecological challenges posed by climate change.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Climate change is a critical global problem with profound consequences. This project delves into how
climate change impacts diseases in humans, plants, and animals. We're investigating how climate
factors relate to disease occurrences, aiming to understand how changing climate patterns affect
disease spread and severity. Through data analysis, we gain insights into potential solutions to lessen
these impacts. This research is vital for addressing health and ecological challenges brought on by
climate change.

The rapid growth of the human population has led to overusing resources and producing goods
excessively. This has caused various harmful effects like ocean acidification, ozone depletion, loss of
biodiversity, the spread of invasive species, and climate changes. These changes have also given rise
to new diseases in both animals and humans. Climate change happens due to imbalances in
atmospheric radiation, leading to increased heat. As atmospheric gas levels rise, global temperatures
are expected to soar.

The hydrologic cycle will change as warmer air holds more moisture. This will result in some regions
getting more rainfall while others face droughts and severe weather. Such significant and permanent
climate changes can alter disease patterns in animal and human populations. This might lead to new
diseases and shifts in existing ones. Known disease vectors may spread to new areas, infecting more
hosts. If these predictions hold true, policymakers will need to consider adaptation strategies.

This review explores the connection between climate change and animal diseases. It examines
related issues arising from changes in biological dynamics. Its goal is to assess various risks and
vulnerabilities and advocate for policies favouring adaptation.

Chapter 2: Background of the Study

Disease-causing microbes vary widely and can include things like worms, insects (like lice,
ticks, and fleas), tiny organisms (such as coccidia), fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Most of them
need a living host to survive and spread. In medical studies, we often use a simple model
that shows a triangle connecting the microbe, its host, and the environment. This helps
emphasize how the environment plays a crucial role in disease development and spread.
In a rapidly changing environment, these disease-causing agents can adapt and move to new
places where they can survive and thrive. For example, the humidity outside the host is
essential for the survival of some pathogens. This is why diseases often follow heavy rains
and floods. In humid tropical areas, diseases are more common compared to very hot or
cold regions.
In some climates, diseases, especially those caused by protozoa and viruses, are transmitted
by insects like mosquitoes and ticks. If climate change makes the Earth more humid, it
increases the chances of diseases emerging, spreading, and posing threats to humans,
animals, and plants.
Multiple factors contribute to the emergence of infectious diseases, including economic,
social, cultural, human, and environmental factors. Currently, there's a lot of talk about
greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, which are believed to significantly impact
disease patterns in our changing world.
Climate experts tell us that the Earth's climate is changing because of imbalances in the
radiation entering and leaving the atmosphere, which generates heat. As atmospheric gas
levels increase, global temperatures are expected to rise, leading to changes in rainfall
patterns and more extreme weather conditions.
These climatic changes can result in different disease patterns in both animals and humans.
New diseases may emerge, and existing ones could become more widespread, especially
those transmitted by biting insects. This can affect various species and ecosystems. For
instance, heavy rainfall and floods in Australia are believed to have contributed to outbreaks
of Hendra virus.

Chapter 3: Reasons for Rapid Climate change.

The main reasons for the accelerated pace of climate change include:
1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for
energy production, transportation, and industrial processes is the largest source of
greenhouse gas emissions. These gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane
(CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global
warming.

2. Deforestation: The cutting down of forests reduces the Earth's capacity to absorb
CO2 from the atmosphere through a process known as carbon sequestration. When
trees are removed, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere,
contributing to higher CO2 levels.
3. Land Use Changes: Converting natural landscapes into urban areas or agriculture
alters the Earth's surface properties. This can affect local and regional climates and
lead to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns.

4. Industrial Processes: Certain industrial activities release greenhouse gases, such as

methane from livestock and rice cultivation, nitrous oxide from agricultural fertilizers,
and industrial emissions of various pollutants.

5. Waste Generation: Landfills and waste treatment facilities emit methane and CO2 as
organic waste decomposes.

6. Feedback Loops: Climate change can trigger feedback loops that amplify its effects.
For example, as polar ice melts, it reduces the Earth's albedo (reflectivity), causing
more heat to be absorbed and further ice melt.
7. Melting Ice and Glaciers: The melting of glaciers and ice caps contributes to sea level
rise, which can disrupt weather patterns and coastal ecosystems.

8. Ocean Acidification: The absorption of excess CO2 by the oceans leads to ocean
acidification, which can harm marine life and disrupt marine ecosystems.
9. Natural Factors: While human activities are the primary drivers, natural factors like
volcanic eruptions and solar radiation variations can also influence climate, although
their impact is relatively minor compared to human-induced changes.

10. Positive Feedbacks: Some climate change impacts, like the thawing of permafrost,
can release additional greenhouse gases (e.g., methane) into the atmosphere,
creating a positive feedback loop that amplifies warming.

11. Deficient Environmental Policies: Inadequate policies and regulations to curb

emissions and promote sustainable practices contribute to the rapidity of climate
change.

Chapter 4: Climate impact on few Diseases

Climate change can also lead to mutations in existing diseases. This is because
warmer temperatures can increase the rate at which pathogens replicate, which can
lead to the accumulation of errors in their genetic code. These errors can sometimes
lead to mutations that make the pathogen more virulent or better able to evade the
host's immune system. Here are some examples of new diseases and mutations in
existing diseases that have been linked to climate change:

• Nipah virus: Nipah virus is a bat-borne virus that can cause encephalitis and
respiratory illness in humans. It is thought to have emerged in Malaysia in
1999, and has since been reported in other countries in Asia and Africa.
Climate change has been linked to the emergence of Nipah virus by increasing
the frequency of droughts in South Asia, which can drive bats out of their
natural habitats and into contact with humans.
• Zika virus: Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause birth defects in
babies born to infected mothers. It was first identified in Uganda in 1947, but
has since spread to many other countries around the world. Climate change
has been linked to the spread of Zika virus by expanding the geographic range
of mosquitoes that can transmit the virus.
• Dengue fever: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause flu-like
symptoms, and in severe cases, haemorrhagic fever and death. It is endemic
in many tropical and subtropical countries, and climate change is thought to
be contributing to its spread by expanding the geographic range of
mosquitoes that can transmit the virus and by increasing the frequency of
mosquito-breeding events.
• Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne parasite that can cause fever, chills, and
other symptoms. It is endemic in many tropical and subtropical countries, and
climate change is thought to be contributing to its spread by expanding the
geographic range of mosquitoes that can transmit the parasite and by
increasing the frequency of mosquito-breeding events.
 • Lyme disease: Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection that can cause a
variety of symptoms, including fever, headache, and a rash. It is endemic in
many parts of the world, and climate change is thought to be contributing to
its spread by expanding the geographic range of ticks that can transmit the
bacteria.

Chapter 5: WHO View on Climate change and impact on diseases

Climate change is already impacting health in a myriad of ways, including by leading to death
and illness from increasingly frequent extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms
and floods, the disruption of food systems, increases in zoonoses and food-, water- and
vector-borne diseases, and mental health issues. Furthermore, climate change is
undermining many of the social determinants for good health, such as livelihoods, equality
and access to health care and social support structures. These climate-sensitive health risks
are disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, including women,
children, ethnic minorities, poor communities, migrants or displaced persons, older
populations, and those with underlying health conditions.

Although it is unequivocal that climate change affects human health, it remains challenging
to accurately estimate the scale and impact of many climate-sensitive health risks. However,
scientific advances progressively allow us to attribute an increase in morbidity and mortality
to human-induced warming, and more accurately determine the risks and scale of these
health threats.
In the short- to medium-term, the health impacts of climate change will be determined
mainly by the vulnerability of populations, their resilience to the current rate of climate
change and the extent and pace of adaptation. In the longer-term, the effects will
increasingly depend on the extent to which transformational action is taken now to reduce
emissions and avoid the breaching of dangerous temperature thresholds and potential
irreversible tipping points.
 Chapter 6: Mitigation Strategies
Mitigation strategies for addressing climate change and its impact on diseases focus on
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing measures to adapt to changing
disease patterns. Here are some key mitigation strategies:

• Transition to Renewable Energy: Promoting the use of renewable energy sources like
wind, solar, and hydropower reduces the carbon footprint of energy production,
which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices in
homes, buildings, and industries can significantly reduce energy consumption and
emissions.
• Sustainable Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, walking,
biking, and electric vehicles, along with the development of efficient transportation
systems, can reduce emissions from the transportation sector.
• Reforestation and Afforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests can sequester
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as a natural carbon sink.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as
reduced tillage, organic farming, and agroforestry, can reduce emissions from the
agriculture sector and improve soil health.
• Waste Reduction and Recycling: Reducing waste generation and promoting recycling
and composting can reduce methane emissions from landfills.
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Building infrastructure that is resilient to climate
change impacts, such as extreme weather events, can help protect communities
from disease-related disruptions.
• Early Warning Systems: Developing and implementing early warning systems for
extreme weather events can help communities prepare for and respond to climate-
related health threats.
• Improved Water Management: Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water and
implementing effective water management practices can reduce the risk of
waterborne diseases associated with climate change.
• Vector Control: Implementing vector control measures, such as mosquito nets and
insecticide spraying, can help mitigate the spread of vector-borne diseases like
malaria and dengue in a changing climate.
• Climate-Resilient Health Systems: Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and
systems to withstand climate-related challenges, such as increased demand during
heatwaves or disease outbreaks, is crucial.
• Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the health impacts of
climate change and providing education on prevention and adaptation measures can
empower communities to take action.
• International Cooperation: Collaborating at the global level through agreements like
the Paris Agreement to limit temperature rise is essential for achieving meaningful
mitigation of climate change and its health effects.
It's important to note that mitigation and adaptation efforts often go hand in hand. While
mitigation aims to reduce the root causes of climate change, adaptation focuses on
minimizing the negative impacts on human health and ecosystems. An integrated approach
that combines both strategies is critical for effectively addressing the complex challenges
posed by climate change and its impact on diseases.

Chapter 7: Indian Government Policies

The Government of India had implemented several policies and initiatives aimed at
controlling the impact of climate change on diseases.
1. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): The NAPCC, launched in 2008,
outlines the country's strategy for addressing climate change. It includes various
missions and programs that indirectly impact disease control, such as the National
Solar Mission, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, and National Mission on
Water.
2. National Health Mission (NHM): NHM focuses on improving public health systems
and reducing the impact of climate-sensitive diseases. It includes programs for
disease control, maternal and child health, and infrastructure development.
3. National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP): NVBDCP aims to
control vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. It includes
efforts to strengthen surveillance, vector control measures, and public awareness
campaigns.
4. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): IDSP enhances the capacity to
detect and respond to disease outbreaks, including those related to climate change.
It monitors and reports on disease trends and coordinates with various stakeholders.
5. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): NDMA plays a crucial role in
disaster preparedness and response. It works to reduce the health risks associated
with climate-related disasters and emergencies.
6. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, NCAP aims to address air
pollution, which can worsen respiratory diseases. It includes strategies for improving
air quality in major cities.
7. Climate Resilient Agriculture: India has been promoting climate-resilient agricultural
practices to reduce the impact of changing climate patterns on crop yields, food
security, and related health issues.
8. Clean Energy Initiatives: India has made efforts to transition to cleaner energy
sources, which can reduce air pollution and its associated health risks.
9. Sustainable Transportation: Policies encourage the use of electric vehicles and public
transportation, which can reduce emissions and improve air quality in urban areas.
10. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC): NAFCC supports projects
and programs aimed at enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities, which
indirectly contributes to disease control.
 11. Awareness and Capacity Building: The government conducts awareness campaigns
and capacity-building programs to educate communities and healthcare workers
about climate-related health risks and preventive measures.
12. International Cooperation: India actively participates in international climate change
agreements and collaborations to address global climate issues that impact health.

Chapter 7: Conclusion
The exponential growth of the human population has led to a host of environmental
challenges, including climate change, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, the emergence of
new diseases, biodiversity loss, and the spread of invasive species. These challenges
underscore the pressing need for decisive action to address the complex interplay between
human activities and the environment.
The existing knowledge about climate change and its effects provides a compelling rationale
for taking immediate action. However, it is imperative to establish a stronger foundation to
make informed, long-term decisions and implement actions that can meet the growing
demands for food and resources in a world marked by rapid population growth. Moreover,
this action must be guided by an awareness of cultural differences and sensitivities, ensuring
that measures are adapted to local contexts.
At the policymaking level, legislation and regulation stand as powerful tools to protect and
preserve our remaining natural ecosystems and available farmland. Deforestation, which
contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, must be curtailed, and sustainable agricultural
practices, such as crop rotation and natural nitrogen fixation, should be enforced.
Developing countries, in particular, need stricter regulations to prevent the unchecked
exploitation of natural resources.
Scientists and researchers worldwide are employing advanced technologies and innovative
approaches to comprehend the temporal and spatial patterns of animal diseases. It is
increasingly evident that diseases infecting humans will continue to rise, with climate change
playing a significant role in shaping this trajectory. Viewing animal disease emergence in the
context of an evolving continuum of climatic changes, natural resource management, and
agricultural practices necessitates paradigm shifts, new technologies, and economic
assistance from developed economies.
Ultimately, addressing climate change mitigation failures is crucial. The United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change has played a central role, but its effectiveness
may be questioned if progress remains elusive. Alternative forums and initiatives may
emerge to seek more effective solutions. Moreover, many countries are reevaluating the
trade-off between economic growth and environmental standards, recognizing the need to
prioritize environmental sustainability.
The adaptation measures to climate change must be comprehensive and far-reaching. They
demand a global commitment to preserving our planet's health and ecosystems,
safeguarding the well-being of current and future generations.