Climate, health and nursing

Human and natural systems are tightly interconnected in a rapidly changing global environment. Human studies affect human health and well-being, as well as causing increased temperatures and changes in climate. Global warming is seen as a comprehensive problem that affects the whole world with the increasing effects of greenhouse gas and humanitarian studies. The direct effects of global warming are seen as a result of extreme changes in weather events. As a result of these changes, the fact that the air is too cold, too hot, too humid or too dry affects human health negatively. Exposure to extreme heat can lead to physiological stress, illness or even death in the individual. Infectious diseases occur due to temperature increase.


All countries are at various levels of risk against the negative effects of climate change on health. It is estimated that the effects of climate change, which is effective all over the world, on human health will be seen more in tropical and subtropical countries and low-income countries. Disadvantaged groups such as urban dwellers, the poor, the elderly, children and those living in coastal areas are at greater risk.
As a result of climate change, especially natural disasters such as storms, floods, drought, decrease in water resources, forest fires, erosion, changes in agricultural productivity and ecological deterioration have being occuring. In addition, there is an increase in vector-borne diseases such as malaria, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, tularemia, sandfly fever, leishmaniasis, oriental sore and dengue, and deaths due to heat waves. Chronic respiratory system diseases are expected to increase due to urban air pollution.


In countries with inadequate healthcare, climate change causes more health problems. For this reason, it is necessary to make preparatory plans in order to provide health services to individuals in both cities and rural areas in an equitable manner, to provide safe drinking and utility water, and to prevent bad weather events.


Water-borne diseases are seen as a result of the consumption of polluted water and food that comes into contact with these waters, and the prevalence of these diseases can increase due to climate change, increased precipitation and floods. Campylobacter, Salmonella and Shigella are the most common water and foodborne diseases. It is estimated that there may be an increase in Campylobacter infection associated with high temperatures in the coming years. Water quality deterioration increases the incidence of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, paratyphoid, and childhood diarrhea, and the related mortality rates.
 

Global warming has not only physiological but also psychological effects. The psychological problems seen appear in the form of simple stress problems, chronic stress, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, feeling uneasy and decreased anger control. Many of these problems are thought to be related to weather events, particularly heat waves. Stress caused by extremely hot weather; It causes many health problems from heart attack to temporary loss of consciousness and traffic accidents. Broader impacts occur in social traumas after natural disasters. In such conditions, people who lose their homes, jobs, loved ones and social environments are left with many psychological problems.


Since global warming is an important public health problem, it is also important for the nursing profession. The International Nurses Association also said, "Nurses should take responsibility for depleting the natural environment, protecting and maintaining it against pollution, degradation and destruction." Also emphasized that nurses should contribute to the struggle on this issue due to their roles.


As a result of global warming, new health problems will be seen and premature deaths may occur. The rate of people applying to health institutions will increase and this increase will cause nurses to work more. In this case, nurses will have to work with the patient and their families. In addition, nurses will inform the public about the effects of global warming on health, thus contributing to the implementation of strategies.


Nurses should pay attention to the use of resources in clinical practice and all products used should be determined in this context. Healthcare organizations, nurses and all other healthcare professionals should focus on how to prepare for the future effects of global warming and strategies to prevent these problems.