El climate change has become a threat multiplier that directly affects human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that between 20 and 30% of the global disease burden can be attributed to risk factors associated with environmental exposures.
In Mexico, it is estimated that 80% of the population is at health risk due to anomalous or extreme weather phenomena, such as storms, heatwaves, floods, droughts, and wildfires.
Direct and Indirect Impacts
Climate risks affect health in multiple ways:
- Increased mortality due to extreme phenomena.
- Non-communicable diseases aggravated by pollution and environmental stress.
- Spread of climate-sensitive infectious diseases, such as malaria and dengue.
- Health emergencies arising from droughts, floods, and changes in precipitation patterns.
Moreover, climate change affects the social and environmental determinants of health, such as access to clean water, sufficient food, clean air, and safe housing.
Vulnerability of the Health System
The effects of climate also impact the healthcare personnel and infrastructure, reducing the capacity to ensure universal health coverage (UHC).
- Hospitals and health centers face damage from extreme phenomena.
- The demand for services increases in crisis scenarios, exceeding installed capacity.
- Lack of preventive planning increases the vulnerability of the sector.
Mexico: Incomplete Diagnosis
Currently, Mexico does not have a complete national diagnosis on the impact of climate change on health. The effects are multiple and complex, making comprehensive evaluation difficult.
According to official estimates, 35% of diseases could be directly related to environmental exposures. Air pollution, agro-industrial chemicals, and pollutants in water bodies are key factors.
Climate-Sensitive Diseases
Climate change influences deadly diseases such as:
- Diarrhea and malnutrition, linked to the lack of safe water and food.
- Malaria and dengue, favored by changes in temperature and humidity.
- Respiratory and cardiovascular problems, aggravated by pollution and heatwaves.
Call to Action
The WHO warns that delaying climate action undermines decades of progress in public health and jeopardizes the human right to health. In Mexico, the Health Sector must:
- Implement preventive measures for acute scenarios.
- Strengthen healthcare infrastructure to withstand extreme phenomena.
- Integrate climate planning into public health policies.
Climate change in Mexico represents a major health threat. With 80% of the population exposed to risks from extreme phenomena, the response must be comprehensive: strengthen the health system, reduce pollution, and ensure access to water, food, and safe housing. Immediate action is crucial to protect the present and future health of millions of people.
