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J Korean Med Assoc > Volume 51(8); 2008 > Article
Hong: Climate Change and Human Health

Abstract

Climate changes, particularly global warming, are attributable to human activities, mainly fossil fuel burning which releases greenhouse gases such as CO2. The emissions of CO2 continue to rise, and climate models project 1.1℃ to 6.4℃ rise of average surface temperature over the 21st century. Health effects from global warming range from increased mortality by extreme weather, floods, and storms to increase of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and diarrhea. Korea is not immune to health impacts from global warming. Data on daily temperature of Seoul in 1994 showed a clear association with daily mortality. Rise of sea and surface temperatures also indicates possibility of increase in infectious diseases in Korea. Concentrations of ambient pollutants, particularly ozone, were shown to be associated with surface temperature. Therefore, we are already in the influence of climate change. Adaptation strategy to climate changes is basically a matter of public health. Well-prepared programs for responding to climate changes will minimize health risks. The most effective responses are strengthening of the key functions of environmental management, surveillance, and response to natural disasters and changes of disease patterns associated with global warming. We need to intensify our efforts in preventive public health, and ensure sustainable development and protection of ecosystem for human health.

References

1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2007.

2. Campbell-Lendrum Diarmid, Corvalán Carlos, Neira Maria. Global climate change: implications for international public health policy 2007;Bulletin of WHO.

3. The world health report 2004: changing history 2004;Geneva: WHO.

4. Patz JA, Campbell-Lendrum D, Holloway T, Foley JA. Impact of regional climate change on human health. Nature 2005;438:310-317.

5. Jang JY. Symposium for climate change and health in Asia 2007;Korea Environmental Health Forum.

Figure 1
Projected global surface warming at the end of the 21st century is scenario-dependent. Projected temperature increases for six scenarios are: B1: 1.8[1.1 to 2.9]℃; A1T: 2.4[1.4 to 3.8]℃; B2: 2.4[1.4 to 3.8]℃; A1B: 2.8[1.7 to 4.4]℃; A2: 3.4[2.0 to 5.4]℃; A1FI: 4.0[2.4 to 6.4]℃.
jkma-51-764-g001-l.jpg
Figure 2
Health effects associated with climate change.
jkma-51-764-g002-l.jpg
Figure 3
Direction and magnitude of change of selected health impacts of climate change.
jkma-51-764-g003-l.jpg
Figure 4
Daily Temperature and Deaths in Seoul (June~September, 1994).
jkma-51-764-g004-l.jpg


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