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Chapter 4 Adaptation Measures to Address Global Climate Change

terms of the respiratory system, high-temperature environments keep respiratory mucosa
in a constant state of stress, exacerbating symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases such as
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. This leads to recurring condi-
tions, increased hospital admissions, and further consumption of medical resources.
(2) The Challenge of Infectious Disease Spread to the Public Health System
The impact of climate change on the transmission of infectious diseases is extremely
complex and far-reaching. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and changes in
ecosystems all create more favorable conditions for the spread of infectious diseases.
In the context of vector-borne diseases, the transmission of many illnesses is closely
linked to the activity of vector insects. Taking malaria as an example, it is an infectious dis-
ease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through Anopheles mosquito bites. With
climate warming, significant changes have occurred in the survival and breeding environ-
ments of Anopheles mosquitoes. Rising temperatures have expanded their suitable habitats to
higher latitudes and altitudes, enabling their proliferation in regions previously unsuitable for
their survival. Concurrently, warmer climates accelerate the development and reproduction
rates of Anopheles mosquitoes, prolonging their activity seasons and increasing biting fre-
quency, which substantially elevates malaria transmission risks. Studies indicate that in some
African countries, malaria-endemic areas continue to expand and infection rates rise annual-
ly due to climate warming. Dengue fever, another critical mosquito-borne disease primarily
transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has seen expanding distribution ranges of Aedes mosqui-
toes under climate warming. These mosquitoes are now not only widespread in tropical and
subtropical regions but have also appeared in temperate zones. Aedes mosquitoes reproduce
rapidly, often breeding near residential areas with frequent human contact, heightening the
likelihood of dengue transmission.Similarly, Zika virus diseaseis transmitted by Aedes mos-
quitoes. Under the influence of climate change, its transmission range continues to expand,
posing a serious threat to public health security.
In addition to vector-borne diseases, extreme climate events such as floods and torren-
tial rains create conditions for disease transmission by damaging public health infrastructure.
After floods, large amounts of sewage and garbage mix together, causing severe contami-
nation of water sources. Polluted water contains numerous pathogens like Vibrio cholerae,
Salmonella typhi, and Shigella, which can easily trigger outbreaks of intestinal infectious
diseases. In flood-prone areas, epidemics of cholera, typhoid, and dysentery frequently occur.
Meanwhile, floods force massive population displacement and congregation in temporary
shelters. These shelters often suffer from poor sanitation conditions, overcrowding, inade-
quate ventilation, and lack clean drinking water and proper sewage treatment facilities. In
such environments, infectious diseases spread rapidly, with respiratory illnesses (e.g., influ-
enza, pneumonia) and intestinal infections being particularly prone to quick transmission.
Facing the challenges of infectious disease spread, public health systems require robust
capabilities in disease surveillance, prevention and control, as well as emergency response.

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