India, a nation already struggling with a range of health challenges, is now witnessing the profound impact of climate change on public health. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events are affecting not just the environment but also the health and well-being of millions of people. As the climate crisis intensifies, so do the health implications, particularly in vulnerable regions. This includes everything from the spread of vector-borne diseases to the deterioration of human skin and the exacerbation of chronic illnesses. These threats underline the urgent need for ambitious climate action, proper planning, and effective implementation of policies to safeguard public health.

The Rising Temperatures and Skin Disorders

Doctors at the Gorakhpur All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are expressing growing concern as they observe a significant rise in the number of cases of hydroa vacciniforme, a skin disease that occurs due to excessive exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This disease, typically reported in desert regions where the sun’s intensity is extreme, has begun to emerge in places like Gorakhpur, which lies in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. This signals a disturbing trend—human skin is increasingly unable to bear the intense heat brought on by climate change.

Related News

Hydroa vacciniforme causes blisters on the skin that resemble chickenpox, and these rashes are extremely painful. While the disease is rare, its growing prevalence in India is alarming, and it highlights how climate change can exacerbate health conditions previously considered uncommon in certain regions. As the frequency of heatwaves and extreme temperatures increases, it is likely that more individuals, particularly those in vulnerable areas, will be at risk of such skin diseases.

Moreover, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause more severe skin conditions such as sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. With the rise of these conditions, healthcare systems, particularly in rural and underserved areas, will face additional strain in managing such illnesses.

Vector-Borne Diseases: The Silent Killers

The incidence of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, has been on the rise in recent years, with the changing climate playing a significant role in this upsurge. Warmer temperatures, erratic rainfall, and humidity are perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes, which transmit these diseases. In fact, the increase in the range and population of mosquitoes is directly correlated with global warming. As these mosquitoes find new habitats and environments conducive to their survival, regions that were once considered safe from these diseases are now grappling with an increased burden of illness.

According to recent reports, several parts of India are experiencing an unprecedented surge in cases of malaria and dengue. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, vector-borne diseases have taken a heavy toll on the population, with both children and adults succumbing to these preventable diseases.

Dengue, in particular, is a major cause of concern. The spread of the Aedes mosquito, which is responsible for dengue transmission, is accelerating as global temperatures rise. Additionally, erratic rainfall patterns lead to waterlogging, providing ideal breeding grounds for these mosquitoes. Climate change is also altering the seasonal patterns of these diseases, making it difficult for health authorities to predict outbreaks and prepare in advance.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Illnesses

In addition to vector-borne diseases, the climate crisis is contributing to a rise in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Increased temperatures and air pollution, coupled with extended periods of heatwaves, have been linked to a spike in respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis. Exposure to higher concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5), a direct result of climate change, is increasing the number of people suffering from lung diseases, particularly in urban areas where air pollution levels are consistently high.

Furthermore, heatwaves have been found to significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. The elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, which put additional pressure on India’s already overstretched healthcare system. For example, studies conducted in cities like Delhi and Mumbai show a marked increase in hospital admissions for heatstroke and other heat-related conditions during the summer months.

Food and Water Security

The climate crisis also threatens food and water security, which in turn has direct implications for health. Changing weather patterns, particularly the unpredictability of monsoon rains, are affecting agricultural productivity. This not only leads to food shortages but also raises the cost of essential food items, making it difficult for low-income families to afford adequate nutrition. Malnutrition is a persistent issue in India, and the ongoing climate crisis is exacerbating this problem.

The rise in temperatures is also affecting the availability and quality of water. Erratic rainfall patterns, combined with rising temperatures, are leading to water scarcity in many regions of India. Contaminated water sources further increase the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. These diseases disproportionately affect children, the elderly, and people living in rural and remote areas, where access to clean water and sanitation facilities is limited.

Mental Health and the Climate Crisis

In addition to physical health challenges, the climate crisis is also taking a toll on mental health. The anxiety and stress associated with extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, are contributing to an increase in mental health disorders. People who have lost their homes and livelihoods due to these disasters are at higher risk of developing depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.

Moreover, the constant threat of climate change-related events creates a sense of helplessness and fear, particularly among children and the elderly. The mental health impacts of climate change are often overlooked, yet they are just as critical as the physical health impacts. Addressing mental health in the face of climate change requires integrated strategies that combine healthcare, mental health services, and community resilience-building.

Urgent Need for Climate-Resilient Healthcare Systems

Given the growing health implications of the climate crisis, it is essential for India to invest in building climate-resilient healthcare systems. This involves developing healthcare infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, training healthcare professionals to recognize and treat climate-induced diseases, and ensuring that essential services are available during and after climate-related disasters.

Moreover, the government must focus on strengthening health systems in rural and underserved areas, where the impact of climate change is often most severe. Investing in healthcare for vulnerable populations—such as the elderly, children, and low-income communities—is essential to reducing the health risks posed by the climate crisis.

The Role of Government and Policy

To mitigate the health risks associated with climate change, the Indian government must take ambitious steps to address the root causes of climate change. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and implementing policies to protect natural resources like forests, rivers, and wetlands. Additionally, the government must work to strengthen disaster preparedness and response systems, particularly in areas that are most vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Moreover, policymakers must prioritize the health implications of climate change in national development plans. This includes ensuring that climate adaptation and mitigation efforts are integrated into healthcare policies, and that public health systems are prepared for the health challenges posed by a changing climate.

The health implications of the climate crisis in India are vast and multifaceted. From the rise in skin disorders and vector-borne diseases to the exacerbation of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, the effects of climate change are already being felt across the country. However, with proper planning, implementation, and monitoring, it is possible to mitigate these impacts and protect public health.

To do so, India must set ambitious goals, implement new policies, and be strict about dealing with the factors causing environmental damage. It is also essential to educate the public about the health risks associated with climate change and encourage individuals to take action in their own communities. The time to act is now, before the health consequences of climate change become even more severe.