What is the impact of climate change on the human body?

As climate change continues to be an increasingly concerning issue, we must understand how it will affect our daily lives. Many know the impacts on polar bears and ice caps, but what about humans? How will a changing climate influence our physiology?

One of the main ways that climate change will affect us is through the increase in extreme heat waves. It turns out that some of us can adapt better to heat than others. For example, in the late 90s, American scientists found that blood flow to an older person's skin was less efficient than their younger counterparts. This could lead to problems such as heat stroke and even increase the risk of death from heart attacks due to overheating.

Battling extreme heat can be a daunting task, but there are several steps you can take to stay safe and healthy. First, staying hydrated is essential by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks that can dehydrate you. Wearing loose, light-colored clothing can also help keep you cool and stay in air-conditioned environments or shaded areas. It's also important to avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day and to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, such as dizziness, nausea, and confusion. By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself from the dangers of extreme heat.

Furthermore, air pollutants like carbon dioxide are causing the planet to heat up. This increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, hurricanes, and wildfires. The most dangerous air pollutants for our health are particles that can travel deep into our lungs and even our bloodstream. This can lead to cardiovascular disease, impairing the heart's rhythm, thickening the blood, making arteries stiffer, and ultimately leading to ill health or death.

To reduce this danger, we need to reduce emissions from automotive exhausts and consider a more plant-based diet that does not require cutting down trees for agricultural purposes, nor does it release as many toxic gases into the atmosphere when producing food as meat does. Studies show that reducing meat consumption can reduce an individual's carbon footprint by as much as 50%.

• A plant-based diet can improve heart health by reducing the risk of developing heart disease and lowering cholesterol levels.

• Plant-based diets are rich in fiber, which can help regulate digestion and prevent certain types of cancer.

• Plant-based diets tend to be lower in saturated fat and calories, which can aid in weight management and help prevent obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

However, when transitioning to a plant-based diet, it is crucial to ensure that we still get all the necessary nutrients. While plant-based diets can be nutritionally adequate, they require careful planning to ensure that we are getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals. Lacking certain essential amino acids in plant-based diets may lead to muscle loss if not carefully considered and balanced with other protein sources to build body tissue such as muscle, liver, bone, etcetera, while protecting against global warming at the same time.

As individuals, we can make a difference by reducing our carbon footprint through simple lifestyle changes such as using public transportation, eating a plant-based diet, and reducing our overall energy consumption. By doing so, we can mitigate the effects of climate change on our physiology and overall health. In addition to individual actions, it is also essential for governments and industries to prioritize sustainable practices and reduce their carbon emissions. This will require a collective effort from all sectors of society to combat the ongoing threat of climate change and ensure a healthy future for ourselves and the planet. Therefore, physiologists play a crucial role in assessing how global warming will likely affect our lives by understanding how we adapt physically and what lifestyle changes can reduce emissions effectively.