1.4 Climate Change and its Impact on Human Health

Figure 1.15: Rise in Sea Levels Over Time

Humans have warmed the environment: the atmosphere, the oceans, and the land; human-induced climate change is already affecting every region on the globe.

Figure 1.16: Relationship Between CO₂ Emissions and Global Surface Temperature

Some weather changes in Singapore include:

1. Surface temperature of 1.8 degrees Celsius versus 1.1 degrees Celsius in 1948.
2. Heavier rain storms.
3. More haze days.

1.4.1 Impacts on human health

Heat waves and floods have resulted in the direct deaths of humans. Rising sea levels will also water supply and sewage disposal facilities (hence more disease).

Warmer temperatures also affect the quality of air; a high O₃ concentration in the air has been linked to respiratory diseases and premature mortality.

There are also changes to allergens in the air; related human allergic disorders also change through pollen seasons.

Food supply also becomes a problem!

1.4.1.1 Diarrhea cases in relation to climate

Figure 1.17: Diarrhea Cases and Temperatures

The above graph displays time series data from January 1, 1993 to November 15, 1998. The mean temperature and relative humidity was that in Lima, Peru. The shaded area refers to the 1997 to 1998 El nino event.

1.4.1.2 Challenges unique to Singapore

Tropical climates accommodates pathogens and their animal carriers.

Furthermore, Singapore is a bubbling hub of cultures, business, and many organisms - the nation also imports most of its food and medicine.