M12.9 Climate Change

Climate change does exist and powerful world leaders are not seemed concern about it. No significant efforts have been done to stop climate change. Climate change causes extreme storms, with droughts in between. Oceans are rising by one foot a decade. This process can induce refugee migration and extinction of living organisms. We are producing extreme amount of carbon dioxides nature cannot handle, causing climate change. It is good to know that we can do something about it by eliminating air pollutions, such as carbon dioxide emission from vehicles.

Studies show respiratory problems such as asthma, influenza, and cardiovascular diseases are significantly associated to air pollution (specifically ozone). As a public health professional, I can advocate for stopping “climate change” by educating friends, families, and my patients about climate change. I could start with myself limiting carbon dioxide by discarding my old car which could be emitting high level of carbon dioxide.  I could share facts of climate change, what cause it, and what we can do to reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide and other pollution (such as indoor mold).

If I were to visit a long-lost relative who never heard about climate change, I would, first, ask him/her about his/her health and living condition. And ask if he/she notice any environmental changes. Then I could describe climate change and relates it with the physical and living condition and environmental changes he or she presents. For example, if he presents with heart and lung issues or cancer, I could tell him/her that air pollution and chemicals could have caused them. Same elements that changes our climate.