Every year on September 16, the world observes World Ozone Day to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the ozone layer and taking action against climate change. While most discussions focus on the environmental impacts like melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss; there’s another angle we often overlook – our health.
Climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a public health crisis in the making. From worsening air quality to spreading diseases, it is already affecting millions of people across the globe. On this World Ozone Day, let’s explore how changes in our atmosphere and climate are directly linked to our well-being.
4 Health Problems Linked to Climate Change
- Respiratory Illnesses Due to Poor Air Quality
One of the most visible impacts of climate change is the deterioration of air quality. Rising temperatures increase ground-level ozone formation—yes, the same ozone that protects us high up in the atmosphere can be harmful when trapped closer to the earth’s surface.
This ground-level ozone, combined with particulate matter from vehicle emissions, wildfires and industrial pollution, leads to serious respiratory problems such as:
- Asthma attacks
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Allergic rhinitis
- Reduced lung function in children and elderly
According to WHO, millions of premature deaths are linked to air pollution every year. Climate change amplifies this problem, creating a cycle where rising heat intensifies pollution and pollution worsens human health.
- Heat-Related Illnesses and Mortality
Extreme heat waves are becoming more frequent due to global warming. The human body is not built to withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures and this is causing a rise in:
- Heatstroke: A potentially fatal condition when the body overheats.
- Dehydration: Loss of fluids can quickly become dangerous, especially in vulnerable groups.
- Cardiovascular strain: The heart has to work harder to cool the body, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
Urban areas with limited greenery and more concrete structures also known as urban heat islands are particularly at risk. Workers, elderly individuals and children are among the most vulnerable populations.
- Spread of Infectious Diseases
Climate change also shifts the geographical distribution of infectious diseases. Warmer temperatures and irregular rainfall create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, ticks and other disease-carrying organisms. This means illnesses once confined to tropical regions are now appearing in new areas.
Some major climate-sensitive diseases include:
- Malaria and Dengue: Spread by mosquitoes thriving in warmer, wetter environments.
- Chikungunya: Another mosquito-borne disease spreading rapidly across regions with changing climates.
- Lyme Disease: Transmitted by ticks that now survive longer and spread further due to mild winters.
These diseases pose major health challenges, especially in developing nations, where resources are limited and populations are large.
- Mental Health Challenges
When we think of climate change, mental health rarely comes to mind, but the psychological toll is significant. Natural disasters, prolonged droughts, floods, and heatwaves don’t just cause physical harm—they also trigger stress, anxiety, and depression.
Communities facing displacement due to rising sea levels or drought are experiencing eco-anxiety—a chronic fear of environmental doom. Studies show that young people in particular are increasingly worried about their future, with climate uncertainty fuelling feelings of helplessness.
Moreover, survivors of climate disasters often deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially when their homes, livelihoods and families are affected.
Why World Ozone Day Matters
World Ozone Day reminds us that protecting the ozone layer is not just about preventing sunburn or shielding plants from UV rays; it’s also about safeguarding our health. Climate change continues to threaten human health in multiple ways and addressing it requires:
- Stronger environmental policies
- Investment in renewable energy
- Awareness about sustainable living
- Better healthcare preparedness for climate-linked diseases
Conclusion
Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s a present reality impacting the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the state of our mental health. On this World Ozone Day, it’s important to recognize that protecting the environment is directly tied to protecting ourselves.
The ozone layer may be recovering thanks to global efforts, but the broader battle against climate change is ongoing. By acting today through lifestyle changes, policy support and global cooperation; we can safeguard not just the planet but also our health and the health of generations to come.
