Climate Change Implications for Gastrointestinal Health and Disease
This article examines the impact of climate change on health and gastrointestinal diseases. The average global temperature has increased by approximately 1 degree Celsius compared to pre-industrial temperatures, causing significant changes in the climate and weather patterns on Earth, which have serious implications for human health, particularly gastrointestinal health. Climate change poses challenges in providing sufficient food and access to clean water, leading to increased risks of gastrointestinal infections and hepatitis. Additionally, changes in habitats may alter the distribution of gastrointestinal diseases such as cholera. Climate change leads to internal and international migration, placing additional pressure on health infrastructure and access to clean water.
The aim of this article is to introduce scientific concepts related to global warming and how the global gastroenterology community can organize itself to tackle these challenges. There is strong evidence showing that the world is warming, and this increase in temperature has significant health impacts on humans, particularly on the gastrointestinal system.
Greenhouse Gases
The increase in temperature is primarily due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the Earth's atmosphere, mainly resulting from human activities. These gases are chemically structured to absorb thermal energy from the sun and trap it in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane are among these gases that significantly contribute to global warming.
Temperature Changes
The average surface temperature of the Earth has increased by about 1 degree Celsius, with two-thirds of this warming occurring since 1975. Climate models predict that temperatures may rise between 2030 and 2052 to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Impacts on Gastrointestinal Health
Climate change can have serious implications for gastrointestinal health, including:
1. Food Security: Increased risk of malnutrition and famine due to reduced food production.
2. Water Security: Greater numbers of people facing water shortages.
3. Increased Infections: More frequent severe rainfall and floods lead to increased gastrointestinal infections and hepatitis.
4. Changing Disease Patterns: Changes in habitats may alter the distribution of gastrointestinal diseases.
5. Migration: Increased migration to urban areas and between countries due to climate change.
6. Infrastructure Loss: Increased severity of storms and floods can damage health infrastructure.
Water and Food Security
Access to food and clean water is essential for human health. Temperature changes affect food production, and in some regions, such as high-latitude areas, food production may increase; however, overall, rising temperatures are expected to reduce food production. At the same time, the oceans, which cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, are warming due to heat and greenhouse gas absorption, leading to rising sea levels and loss of marine food sources.
Severe Rainfall and Drought
Water and wastewater systems are designed to withstand severe events, and they may be vulnerable to heavy rainfall and flooding. This vulnerability could lead to water contamination and increased gastrointestinal diseases. Additionally, droughts can increase infections due to the higher concentration of pathogens caused by water shortages.
Changes in Disease Patterns
Increasing temperatures can alter the distribution of some gastrointestinal diseases. For example, warmer conditions in the Baltic Sea may create a more favorable environment for cholera outbreaks. Furthermore, climate change may impact the patterns of diseases like schistosomiasis.
Migration
Human migration occurs for various reasons, including climate change. It is predicted that by 2050, approximately 200 million people will be forced to migrate due to climate change. These migrants often have limited resources, making it challenging to provide gastrointestinal care and disease prevention for them.
Infrastructure and Services in Gastroenterology
Infrastructure is essential for providing gastrointestinal care. Severe storms can destroy healthcare infrastructure and disrupt health services. While there is no definitive evidence linking global warming to increased tropical storms, most studies report an increase in the frequency of severe storms.
What Can Be Done?
Climate change is a serious threat to health, and the gastroenterology community must be prepared to meet these challenges. This study calls on physicians and gastroenterologists to be more active in education, advocacy for sustainable policies, and improvement of health infrastructure. There is also a need for collaboration between gastroenterology societies in different countries to share resources and experiences.
Reference : Leddin D, Macrae F. Climate Change: Implications for Gastrointestinal Health and Disease. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2020 May/Jun;54(5):393-397. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001336. PMID: 32235149.
