Climate Change and Human Health

Climate change can affect human health through various climate-sensitive health outcomes such as extreme weather events, infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, and food security issues. One specific example discussed is the heat dome event in the Pacific Northwest in 2021, which led to excess deaths, increased morbidity, and overwhelmed healthcare systems. The podcast also mentions shifts in the ecology of diseases like dengue fever and the earlier start and prolonged duration of the pollen season, resulting in allergic respiratory disease symptoms. These changes highlight the direct connection between climate change and adverse health impacts.