limate change has already had demonstrable, far-reaching consequences on human health. Continued warming—and geopolitical conflict—are likely to exacerbate the situation critically, with an attendant increase in heat-related illnesses, respiratory diseases, and the transmission of infectious diseases. Though not widely discussed, one of the most alarming impacts of climate change is the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases, which can lead to devastating epidemics that affect human health and the global economy.
Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can alter the distribution and abundance of disease vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks, leading to an increased risk of transmission of waterborne and foodborne diseases. A recent example of the devastating consequences of climate change-induced epidemics is the dengue fever outbreak in Pakistan following the floods during the summer of 2022. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called the flooding—which has been directly attributed to climate change—a "monsoon on steroids." This catastrophic event resulted in one-third of the country being submerged, affecting 33 million lives and causing the loss of over 1,700 lives, displacement of millions, and the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and vast expanses of cropland.
How Climate Change Exacerbates Infectious Disease
Yet the impacts of the disaster lingered long after the flood waters receded with the emergence of numerous infectious diseases. Thousands of Pakistani people were forced to cope with diseases like dengue fever and malaria To the extent that experts suggested dengue replaced COVID-19 for Pakistan.
Mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus thrive in warm and humid environments. Increasing rainfall and warmer weather in many places will mean more breeding grounds for mosquitoes and more chances to spread disease. This reality was experienced firsthand by my family when my mother, a medical doctor on the frontlines, fell ill with dengue fever during the outbreak. Despite her dedication and hard work, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she eventually passed away, leaving behind a devastated family and community that had lost a hero. This tragic event is a stark reminder that the impact of climate change on health cannot be overstated. As the world faces the consequences of a changing climate, it is essential to take immediate action to mitigate its effects and prevent future tragedies. The importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change and its impact on human health cannot be emphasized enough.
The Nexus with Geopolitical Conflict
It is not difficult to imagine that for countries already experiencing cold conflicts or unrest, such epidemics and infectious diseases can escalate into a larger socio-economic crisis that may lead to violent conflicts between nations. The spread of infectious diseases is not limited to specific regions. Warmer temperatures, for instance, can allow disease-carrying mosquitoes to expand their range, potentially exposing new populations to diseases like dengue fever. This situation can result in the collapse of the country’s social and economic systems, leading to shortages in core needs like safe drinking water, food, health services, and shelter. Such basic resource scarcities can affect society, leading to competition between countries, and act as trigger points to transform cold conflicts or unrest into violent conflicts. Furthermore, the rise in communicable disease which attends these resource scarcities can lead to nationalistic sentiments, further fueling conflict.
The concept of tensions between countries over resources is particularly relevant when two countries share resources. In the cold conflict between India and Pakistan, for instance, there are reasons to worry that climate-induced water and resource scarcity could lead to violent war between two nuclear-armed countries. Shared resources serve as a stark reminder that cooperation between nations is crucial, not only to increase resilience to disasters but also to prevent conflicts. Experience has shown that shared resources can contribute to conflict prevention, and they often serve as an entry point for sustained dialogue and cooperation.
As the monsoon season approaches once again, it serves as a timely reminder that the climate-induced health crisis that we faced in the South Asian region last year can actually present an opportunity to catalyze a transformation toward a sustainable future. Building resilience is essential to limiting the impact of disasters associated with climate change, which could have negative implications for a nation's stability and security. It's clear that no single country can tackle these issues alone, so peace negotiations that prioritize approaches linking solutions to climate change, global health, energy, water, and political stability are crucial. For example, medical diplomacy and water diplomacy can be used to build trust and cooperation, enhancing support for resilience in vulnerable countries.
Individualistic responses to climate change and its impacts results in conflict and loss. But with a cooperative and peace-building mindset, we can save our nations and protect our loved ones. By enhancing cooperation, we can make the region more resilient, not just to infectious diseases, but also to the other impacts of climate change.
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The Complex Nexus of Climate Change, Health, and Geopolitical Conflict
Image via AdobeStock
May 18, 2023
It is by now well understood that climate change-related disasters can have catastrophic effects, particularly in poorer countries. Less understood is the long-term health impacts stemming from such disasters, and how these impacts can foster geopolitical conflict, writes McGill's Sadaf Taimur.
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limate change has already had demonstrable, far-reaching consequences on human health. Continued warming—and geopolitical conflict—are likely to exacerbate the situation critically, with an attendant increase in heat-related illnesses, respiratory diseases, and the transmission of infectious diseases. Though not widely discussed, one of the most alarming impacts of climate change is the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases, which can lead to devastating epidemics that affect human health and the global economy.
Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can alter the distribution and abundance of disease vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks, leading to an increased risk of transmission of waterborne and foodborne diseases. A recent example of the devastating consequences of climate change-induced epidemics is the dengue fever outbreak in Pakistan following the floods during the summer of 2022. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called the flooding—which has been directly attributed to climate change—a "monsoon on steroids." This catastrophic event resulted in one-third of the country being submerged, affecting 33 million lives and causing the loss of over 1,700 lives, displacement of millions, and the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and vast expanses of cropland.
How Climate Change Exacerbates Infectious Disease
Yet the impacts of the disaster lingered long after the flood waters receded with the emergence of numerous infectious diseases. Thousands of Pakistani people were forced to cope with diseases like dengue fever and malaria To the extent that experts suggested dengue replaced COVID-19 for Pakistan.
Mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus thrive in warm and humid environments. Increasing rainfall and warmer weather in many places will mean more breeding grounds for mosquitoes and more chances to spread disease. This reality was experienced firsthand by my family when my mother, a medical doctor on the frontlines, fell ill with dengue fever during the outbreak. Despite her dedication and hard work, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she eventually passed away, leaving behind a devastated family and community that had lost a hero. This tragic event is a stark reminder that the impact of climate change on health cannot be overstated. As the world faces the consequences of a changing climate, it is essential to take immediate action to mitigate its effects and prevent future tragedies. The importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change and its impact on human health cannot be emphasized enough.
The Nexus with Geopolitical Conflict
It is not difficult to imagine that for countries already experiencing cold conflicts or unrest, such epidemics and infectious diseases can escalate into a larger socio-economic crisis that may lead to violent conflicts between nations. The spread of infectious diseases is not limited to specific regions. Warmer temperatures, for instance, can allow disease-carrying mosquitoes to expand their range, potentially exposing new populations to diseases like dengue fever. This situation can result in the collapse of the country’s social and economic systems, leading to shortages in core needs like safe drinking water, food, health services, and shelter. Such basic resource scarcities can affect society, leading to competition between countries, and act as trigger points to transform cold conflicts or unrest into violent conflicts. Furthermore, the rise in communicable disease which attends these resource scarcities can lead to nationalistic sentiments, further fueling conflict.
The concept of tensions between countries over resources is particularly relevant when two countries share resources. In the cold conflict between India and Pakistan, for instance, there are reasons to worry that climate-induced water and resource scarcity could lead to violent war between two nuclear-armed countries. Shared resources serve as a stark reminder that cooperation between nations is crucial, not only to increase resilience to disasters but also to prevent conflicts. Experience has shown that shared resources can contribute to conflict prevention, and they often serve as an entry point for sustained dialogue and cooperation.
As the monsoon season approaches once again, it serves as a timely reminder that the climate-induced health crisis that we faced in the South Asian region last year can actually present an opportunity to catalyze a transformation toward a sustainable future. Building resilience is essential to limiting the impact of disasters associated with climate change, which could have negative implications for a nation's stability and security. It's clear that no single country can tackle these issues alone, so peace negotiations that prioritize approaches linking solutions to climate change, global health, energy, water, and political stability are crucial. For example, medical diplomacy and water diplomacy can be used to build trust and cooperation, enhancing support for resilience in vulnerable countries.
Individualistic responses to climate change and its impacts results in conflict and loss. But with a cooperative and peace-building mindset, we can save our nations and protect our loved ones. By enhancing cooperation, we can make the region more resilient, not just to infectious diseases, but also to the other impacts of climate change.
