Skin

The skin is one of the first body parts affected by climate change. It experiences both direct and indirect consequences from rising temperatures, changes in behavior, air pollution, and reduced access to medical care. This relationship is multifaceted, with several factors playing a role simultaneously.

For instance, increased temperatures can elevate exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a significant contributor to skin cancer. When temperatures rise, cloud cover diminishes, leading to greater UV exposure, especially if we spend more time outdoors. Conversely, excessively high temperatures may cause individuals to seek refuge indoors, reducing their sunlight exposure and consequently decreasing vitamin D production. A lack of vitamin D can leave us more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV radiation when we eventually do go outside.

Natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires can also harm our skin, leading to anything from minor bruises to severe injuries like third-degree burns. These calamities can hinder access to necessary medical services, exacerbating health problems such as infections or even leading to death.

Eyes

Our eyes are another body part significantly affected by climate change. For example, heat waves, which are becoming more common due to climate change, can cause inflammation of the cornea—the clear outer layer of the eye that allows light in. This inflammation can lead to infections and allergic reactions, as well as retinal disorders, which affect the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.

Increased UV radiation can also weaken the immune response in our eyes, making them more vulnerable to infections. Additionally, UV exposure can activate dormant viruses within our bodies, leading to health issues. The combination of UV radiation and heat waves raises the risk of developing eye tumors, cataracts, and retinal disorders—conditions that can severely impair vision.

Furthermore, changes in climate can adversely affect food production, leading to malnutrition. A lack of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin A, can result in xerophthalmia, a condition that can cause blindness in young children if untreated. In adults, malnutrition can lead to eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

Mouth

Lastly, our mouths are affected by climate change, which may not seem immediately significant but is crucial for overall health. Oral health issues are linked to several chronic diseases, including diabetes. For instance, inflamed gums can elevate blood sugar levels, contributing to diabetes development. In some regions, oral diseases rank among the top five health burdens.

Climate change directly and indirectly affects various aspects of life, including:

• Rising temperatures exacerbate dental issues, influencing behavior and the spread of diseases, as well as limiting healthcare access. Additionally, heat can increase microbial resistance to antibiotics and diminish the quality of stored medications.
• Extreme weather, such as floods and droughts, can restrict food supplies, leading to malnutrition and related oral health issues like angular cheilitis and ulcerative gingivitis.

• Increased humidity may alter the transmission dynamics of viruses and fungi, potentially leading to new oral diseases such as fungal Mucormycosis, which can result in tooth pain and other symptoms.

Conclusion and Action Steps

In summary, climate change poses a threat to various body parts, including our skin, eyes, and mouth. To mitigate these impacts, it is essential to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some practical actions we can take:

• Use eco-friendly sun protection, including minimal sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Reserve antibiotics for necessary situations only.
• Share knowledge about the effects of climate change on health with others.
• Reduce CO2 emissions, for example, by opting for biking instead of driving.
• Support or initiate training programs to educate healthcare professionals about climate change's health implications.

Which of these actions can you incorporate into your daily routine? Are there additional steps we can take together? Thank you for considering these suggestions and for sharing your thoughts in the comments.

Did you find this article helpful? If so, you might also be interested in my book, "A Guide to A Healthier Planet." Take a look inside:

A Guide to a Healthier Planet

This book aims to bridge the gap between scientific insights on urgent environmental challenges that often remain unaddressed.

About the Author

Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a globally recognized expert in environmental sustainability. As a science communicator, she helps scientists convey their findings effectively, enabling everyone to apply scientific knowledge for a sustainable future. Erlijn has inspired countless individuals worldwide through her support of the United Nations, her book "A Guide to A Healthier Planet," her YouTube channel Xplore Nature, and her social media contributions.

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Credit

Deshmukh, C. V., Dodamani, A. S., & Mistry, V. D. (2023). Climate change on oral health and dentistry: association and mitigation. Acta Scientific Dental Sciences (ISSN: 2581–4893), 7(1).

Ghoshal, R., Ghosh, D., Ghosh, S., & Mukherjee, G. Impact of climate change and related environmental factors on eye health in India: A narrative review.

Watson, T. P. G., Tong, M., Bailie, J., Ekanayake, K., & Bailie, R. S. (2024). Relationship between climate change and skin cancer and implications for prevention and management: a scoping review. Public Health, 227, 243–249.