Climate change and its impact on public health – A review of the global environment

Climate change is a product of human actions.The extreme events such as flash floods, droughts,heat waves, earthquakes, volcano eruptions andtsunamis seen in the world today are the result ofindiscriminate human intrusion into the environment.Vulnerable countries and populations are the mostaffected by these climatic events. This places a burdenon the resources of these countries. The Kyoto Protocolis a milestone in environmental management and theimpetus created by it must be maintained by carryingout the much needed research into appropriatemitigating measures that will alleviate the climatechange impact globally. A paradigm shift is needed inaddressing the associated risks on human health to assesssocioeconomic determinants and the related impactson disease burden. Some wealthy nations emphasizeeconomic benefits and downplay sustainability goals,health and equality. However the rising cost of energyis beginning to influence their outlook towards thisissue. The implications on economics, human healthand wellbeing are implicit. In order to strike a balancebetween disadvantaged and privileged nations, manyinternational agencies are spearheading various researchagenda to improve adaptation programmes on effectsof changing climatic conditions on health. Malaysiatoo has such programmes initiated under its 5-yeardevelopment plans.