The Effects Of Our Current Environmental State on Public Health

By: Michaela Pickett and Allison Burke

Greenhouse Gases: Impact on Health

Alongside an increase in the amount of Greenhouse Gases being emitted into the atmosphere is a rise in earth’s temperature, and alongside a rise in earth’s temperature are numerous health issues for living beings. For example, climate change causes a lack of clean air and a lack of safe water to drink, to name a couple. One statistic argues, “The global warming that has occurred since the 1970s was causing over 140,000 excess deaths annually by the year 2004” (WHO). Cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and asthma have been directly linked to increasing temperatures of the air. “In the heat wave of summer 2003 in Europe for example, more than 70 000 excess deaths were recorded” (WHO). Ozone levels and other pollutants, as well as pollen and other aeroallergen levels have been seen to increase in severe heat. Rising temperatures can also affect water-borne diseases, as well as diseases passed on by snails, insects, or other animals that are cold-blooded. While all populations are likely to be affected negatively by climate change, some are more at risk than others. Specifically, those living in “small island developing states and other coastal regions, megacities, and mountainous and polar regions are particularly vulnerable” (WHO). Children are also particularly vulnerable to health risks caused by climate change, especially those living in poorer regions of the world. Health risks due to climate change are also seen heavily in elderly people, especially those who are already ill.

Work Cited

"WHO | Climate Change and Health." World Health Organization. 2010. Web. 19 Sept. 2010.

Power Plant Environmental Risks:

These toxic plants also have detrimental affects on our environment. The emissions contribute to our growing global warming problem. An immense amount of heat is exuded from these power plants that not only raises the temperature of the area, but also causes growth deficiencies in surrounding wildlife.

Power Plant Health Risks:

Power plants release radiation into the air, which is extremely detrimental to the surrounding resident’s health. This radioactive radiation can cause cancer because of the emission of radioactive iodine.

In order to see more on Chicago’s quest to get rid of power plants, go to www.howgreenischicago.com