By Shanoor Seervai, Lovisa Gustafsson, and Melinda K. Abrams, Photo: Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images, The Commonwealth Fund, May 4, 2022
Hundreds of millions of people across the globe are experiencing the impact of climate change. In the United States, hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires, droughts, and flooding — all likely intensified by a warming atmosphere — are exacting a devastating toll on communities in every region. Without drastic action, these events will only increase in scale and frequency.
Climate change also affects our health, both physical and mental. And while health care systems have an important role to play in combatting climate change, climate change deeply affects them as well. Hospitals, health centers, and other providers shoulder the burden of caring for people experiencing the health consequences of climate change. Health care facilities also often face disruptions to their operations in the form of power outages or flooding, that inhibit the delivery of high-quality care.
How does climate change affect physical and mental health?
Physical health. The toll of extreme climate events on our physical health has been well documented. Worldwide, more than 5 million deaths each year are linked to abnormally hot and cold temperatures.
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