Impact of climate change on vulnerable populations

Vulnerability can be defined as a more significant potential exposure, or a greater susceptibility, to climate hazards. All of humanity is vulnerable to the effects of environmental change but some individuals and populations are more vulnerable to climate-induced adverse health effects than others by virtue of their personal or societal risk factors. How does climate change affect vulnerable populations? Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sink destruction are altering the earth’s atmosphere. This is leading to the generation of climate hazards such as decreased air quality, reduced food and water quality and security, extreme weather and drought. Climate change is also associated with increasing exposure to pollutants and to decreasing biodiversity. These hazards can affect many aspects of physical and mental health including digestive health and diseases.1 Vulnerability factors amplify the health risk of climate hazards. They include geographical, socioeconomic, sociopolitical, biological and demographic variables (
Source: Gut - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Editor's choice, Gut Commentary Source Type: research