Written by Abdus Sumit
Edited by Othaila Abuzaid
Climate change is not just an environmental concern; it also poses significant threats to human health, particularly neurological well-being. Recent research has highlighted the intricate relationship between climate change and neurological disorders, emphasizing the potential consequences of rising temperatures and environmental shifts on brain health.
Impact Of Global Warming On Our Brain :
Studies have shown a concerning correlation between global warming and neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and tick-borne encephalitis. Elevated ambient temperatures have been associated with worsened symptoms, increased hospitalization rates, and higher mortality among individuals with these disorders. This underscores the need to address the effects of climate change on neurological health.
Migration, Climate Change, and the Brain
Climate change-induced environmental challenges, such as floods, heat waves, droughts, and wildfires, are increasingly forcing people to leave their homes, either temporarily or permanently, within or across borders. This form of migration is on the rise due to the failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, leading to more frequent and severe climate disasters. The movement of people due to climate impacts may range from proactive adaptation strategies to forced displacement, with projections indicating significant internal and cross-border migration in the coming decades.Efforts are being made to address the challenges posed by climate migration, including the development of frameworks like the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, but more concrete steps are needed to protect and support those affected by climate change-induced migration.
Establishing positive neurological health for generations to come
Despite the growing evidence linking climate change to neurological health, there is a significant gap in well-designed studies addressing this critical issue. The neurological community is urged to prioritize research efforts to understand how global warming and environmental shifts will impact the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and mortality rates of neurological disorders. Bridging these knowledge gaps and developing strategies to mitigate the potential negative effects of climate change on neurological health is essential.
Global health organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing the intersection of climate change and neurology. Initiatives like the World Health Organization's draft Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders highlight the need to integrate climate considerations into neurological practice to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental changes on brain health.
The complex relationship between climate change and neurological health presents a pressing challenge that requires immediate attention and collaborative efforts. By acknowledging the impact of global warming on brain function, raising awareness within the medical community, and advancing research initiatives, we can work towards safeguarding neurological well-being in the face of environmental transformations.
In conclusion, the intersection of climate change and neurological health underscores the need for proactive measures, research advancements, and increased awareness within the medical community. By addressing the complex interplay between environmental shifts and neurological disorders, we can strive toward a healthier future for individuals worldwide.
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References:
Zammit, C., Torzhenskaya, N., Ozarkar, P. D., & Calleja‐Agius, J. (2021). Neurological disorders vis-à-vis climate change. Early Human Development, 155, 105217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105217.
Shukla, D. (2021, December 15). Climate change: Impact of rising temperatures on neurological disorders. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/climate-change-impact-of-rising-temperatures-on-neurological-disorders.
News-Medical. (2021, July 19). The impact of climate change on brain health. https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Impact-of-Climate-Change-on-Brain-Health.aspx.