Introduction: Consequences of Global Warming to Planetary and Human Health

Abstract

Second edition. This book is a guide to the research, findings, and discussions of US and international experts on climate change and respiratory health. Since the publication of the first edition, climate change has been increasingly acknowledged as being directly related to the prevalence and incidence of respiratory morbidity. Evidence is increasing that climate change does drive respiratory disease onset and exacerbation as a result of increased ambient and indoor air pollution, desertification, heat stress, wildfires, and the geographic and temporal spread of pollens, molds and infectious agents. This second edition is fully updated to include the latest research by international experts on topics such as heat waves causing critical care-related diseases, climate-driven air pollution increases, and high-level ozone and ozone exposure linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and acute lower respiratory infection. Seven new chapters have also been added on extreme weather and agricultural safety in California; desert dust effects on lung health; climate policy and the EPA; California's integrated approach to air quality and climate change; integrating climate change, the environment, and sustainability themes into professional health science courses; and the role of the physician as climate advocate. This is an ideal guide for all pulmonologists and health professionals treating patients with pulmonary disease. Intro -- Foreword -- Contents -- Contributors -- Chapter 1: Introduction: Consequences of Global Warming to Planetary and Human Health -- Introduction to Greenhouse Gases and Temperature -- Consequences of Climate Change on the Biosphere -- Loss of Arctic Ice -- Loss of Antarctic Ice -- Loss of Glaciers -- Risks to Forests -- Mean Sea-Level Rise -- Bleaching of Coral Reefs -- Threat to Biodiversity -- Consequences for Human Health -- Heat waves -- Air Pollution -- Vector-Borne Diseases -- Implications for Social Stability -- Drought, Forest Fires, Food Insecurity, and Migration Hurricanes and Extreme Weather Events -- Insurability for Extreme Events -- United States Military -- Efforts at Mitigation and Adaptation -- Policy: Global -- Policy: The United States -- Mitigation: Renewables -- Mitigation: Cap-and-Trade and Carbon Tax -- Efforts to Combat Climate Change by Cities and States -- Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 2: Climate Variability and Change Data and Information for Global Public Health -- So What Is Climate Data, How Do I Know What I Need, How Do I Get It, and How Do I Use It? -- Data Culture -- Defining Terms Early Warning, Prediction, Forecast, Outlook, Projection, Scenario -- How to Think About Climate Data-Or When to Use What? -- Scale -- Source -- Products -- Reanalysis -- Projections -- Assessing Climate Data Partners -- Conclusion -- Chapter 3: Climate Change: Updates on Recent Global and United States Temperature Anomalies and Impacts to Water, Forests, and Environmental Health -- Recent Changes to Global and United States Surface Temperatures -- Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources and Water Quality -- Climate Change Impacts on Watershed Health Climate Change Impacts on Forests and Forest Health -- Forest Insects -- Forest Diseases -- Wildfire -- Invasive Species -- References -- Chapter 4: Eyewitness to Climate Change -- Eyewitness to Climate Change -- Addressing Climate Change at the International Level -- The UNFCCC -- The Kyoto Protocol -- The Bali Road Map -- The Copenhagen Accord -- COP21: Paris Agreement -- Post COP21: Subsequent Action Toward 2020 and Beyond -- Education for Action -- References -- Chapter 5: Arctic Connections to Global Warming and Health -- Rapid Environmental and Societal Change in the Arctic Ecosystems Under Stress -- Future Projections and Feedbacks to the Global Climate System -- Environmental and Health Policy for a Changing Land -- Adapting to a New Arctic -- New Frontiers for Development -- Threats of Oil and Gas Development in the Arctic Refuge -- Food Security -- Community Health -- Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 6: Assessing the Health Risks of Climate Change -- Introduction -- Traditional Risk Assessment Approaches Are Inappropriate for Estimating the Health Risks of Climate Change -- Determining the Extent to Which Climate Change Has Affected Health