Climate Change, Landscape Fires, and Human Health: A Global Perspective

Johnston, Fay H.; Williamson, Grant; Borchers-Arriagada, Nicolas; Henderson, Sarah B.; Bowman, David M.J.S.

doi:10.1146/annurev-publhealth-060222-034131

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 135 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Wildfires in the Arctic release significant quantities of black carbon and other aerosols, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, accelerating Arctic warming, amplifying the effects of climate change and altering regional weather patterns, additionally leading to degraded air quality and respiratory health hazards for nearby communities [34]. Direct effects of wildfires on human health and well-being include exposure to heat flux, resulting in injuries and destructive outcomes; indirect impacts stem from emissions, leading to health issues related to smoke exposure, and alterations in ecosystem functioning, affecting biodiversity, amenities, water quality, and thawing permafrost [35][36][37].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Climate Change and Human Health in the Arctic: A Review

Grigorieva

2024

Climate

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Over recent decades, the Arctic has begun facing a range of climate-related challenges, from rising temperatures to melting ice caps and permafrost thaw, with significant implications for ecosystems and human well-being. Addressing the health impacts of these issues requires a comprehensive approach, integrating scientific research, community engagement, and policy interventions. This study conducts a literature review to assess the effects of climate change on human health in northern latitudes and to compile adaptation strategies from the Arctic countries. A literature search was performed between January and April 2024 for papers published after 2000, using the electronic databases Web of Science, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and eLibrary.RU, with specific questions formulated to direct the search: (i) What are the climate changes? (ii) How does climate change affect human health? (iii) What adaptation measures and policies are required? The key phrases “climate change”, “human health”, “adaptation practices”, and “Arctic” were employed for searching. Ultimately, 56 relevant studies were identified, reviewing health risks such as infectious diseases, mental health issues, and diseases connected with extreme weather events; wildfires and their associated pollution; permafrost degradation; pure water; and food quality. The paper also examines mitigation and adaptation strategies at all levels of governance, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and policy action to combat negative health outcomes, investments in healthcare infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and public health education. Incorporating diverse perspectives, including Indigenous knowledge, Community-Based Adaptation, EcoHealth and One Health approaches, is crucial for effectively addressing the health risks associated with climate change. In conclusion, the paper proposes adaptation strategies to mitigate the health impacts of climate change in the Arctic.

show abstract