The Planet Has A Fever And It’s Contagious

Climate Change Is The Greatest Threat To Human Health In History

David Introcaso, December 19, 2018 (Health Affairs)

“…Over 90 scientists from 40 countries reviewing 6,000 studies prepared the IPCC report that joined the many] publications by leading national and international science bodies that conclude all life on this planet is under existential threat…Per all of these reports, the earth has warmed by 1°C since the pre-industrial era and two-thirds of this rise has occurred since 1986. The twenty warmest years on record have occurred over the past 22 years…[There is a] nearly linear relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric warming…and the amount is again increasing…[This is] a significant threat to human health…[A]bsent dramatic and near term changes in political will, temperatures are expected to increase by 4°C by the end of this century…

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…[Resulting hurricanes and flooding compromise] drinking water, human waste water treatment and storm water disposal that, in turn, results in increased risk of waterborne diseases caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa…[Stagnant heat, drought, and wildfires worsen] asthma, acute bronchitis and pneumonia…[and] lead to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths, hospital admissions and causes of acute respiratory illnesses…Higher temperatures cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke, hyperthermia and dehydration…[All this leads to] mental and behavioral health conditions ranging from anxiety, depression and alcohol and substance abuse to post-traumatic stress and suicide…We have been robbing the planet. It's only a question of how harsh or definitive the penalty will be…” click here for more

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