Climate Change: Know how it impacts you

Climate change is usually attributed as the cause of every natural phenomenon we face today. The big question is, do we really understand the impact this man-made phenomenon has upon us?
A research paper titled USGCRP, 2016: The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment, states, "Rising greenhouse gas concentrations result in increases in temperature, changes in precipitation, increases in the frequency and intensity of some extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. These changes affect our food and water sources, the air we breathe, the weather we experience, and our interactions with the built and natural environments."

Should we be afraid?

Speaking to dna, Dr Seema Misra-Thakur, former lecturer of biochemistry and department head of environmental science at the Institute of Science, Mumbai, shares that while the threat of climate change is looming over us, only people who read and understand climate change would be concerned. "Even after three decades of talks, we do not have concrete steps in place to address this issue. We need more green spaces, decongest the city and control vehicular traffic," she says.

"Studies show a relationship between air pollution and underweight infants," says Dr Namrata Bagaria, Director, Public Health Justice, citing a paper published right after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The research surveyed the birth weights of 83,672 babies born in Beijing around the time of the 2008 Olympics, when the government closed down industry, raised vehicle emissions standards, stopped construction and had their equivalent of the odd/even scheme."

The paper adds that as pollution levels in Beijing reduced between 18 per cent and 59 per cent during the course of the Olympics, birth weights were, on an average, 23 grams higher for babies born during that period.
In addition, Dr Bagaria adds that the particulate matter (PM) levels in Mumbai have been above 2.5 PM for several months is the reason for rise in cardiovascular diseases and reduced birth rates. "Also, the constant fluctuation in temperature has resulted in allergies bronchial asthma and pulmonary (lung) infections."

Economic impact 

The Economic Impact of climate change on Mumbai states that rising mercury can also affect the workforce. "Episodes of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke affect the population, largely the poor section of the society. As the immune system weakens due to heat stress, susceptibility to diseases further rises. Resultant increase in expenses on health care are escalating, which lead to greater stress," the paper suggests.
Making things better...

Anand Pendharkar of Mumbai NGO SPROUTS feels a long-term solution is required to tackle the issue. "We need more ecological awareness and approach, not compartmentalised planning like we're witnessing today," he says.

Pendharkar also states that the central government must spend on ecological education to increase awareness. "We work with local communities, make them aware about the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, health, property and food security. We're also using scientific methods to convince them in making individual lifestyle changes."

While the work is difficult, there has been a positive response from a number of people. "We still have a long way to go before we see concrete changes in our environment. But the fact that people are converting window sills into green spaces is certainly a start," says Pendharkar.

Rapid weather changes weakens my immune system. As an asthamatic, my coughing and wheezing intensifies, and I find myself running out of breath.
— Alfie Saldanha, 28, Borivali resident

I've been complaining about an itchy throat for a while. Along with that, I have headaches, cough, cold and flu-like symptoms that my body's battling. Another recent development is watery eyes.
— Shaili Contractor, 29, Bandra resident