Climate Change and Increased Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases: A Review

Abstract

Climate change through its effect on weather, anthropogenic emissions, distribution and types of air irritants is expected to increase exposure to air pollutants such as Carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide and Ozone. In addition, climate change is proposed to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) directly through air pollution, extreme temperatures and indirectly via changes in diets. This is projected to increase morbidity and mortality from NCDs tremendously in low and middle income Countries. The purpose of this study was to review existing literature on impact of climate change on NCDs, identify gaps in existing studies, to stimulate further research interest in the field. This was a literature survey in which PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google scholar databases were searched using keywords; Climate change, Mitigation, Health, Non-Communicable Diseases, Diabetes, Cancers and Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Little research has been done on climate change and NCDs; therefore, data is lacking or inadequate if at all. Out of a total of 3,204,565 hits only 65,815 articles were specific to climate change and health, out of which only 35 were directly relevant to the survey. Results from this review indicated that climate change has led to increased or extreme temperatures, which can be directly or indirectly attributed to the increased NCDs prevalence. Furthermore, inhalation and or exposure to acute ozone exposure leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, ultimately leading to diabetes mellitus I & II, CVDs and cancers. Oxidative stress is also associated with DNA damage, endothelium dysfunction, damage to blood cells leading to high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction among other cardiovascular conditions. However, further research is required to strengthen this hypothesis. This information will help in attainment of sustainable development goal (SDG) number 3 on ensuring health for all, promotion of wellbeing for all at all ages and number 13 on combating climate