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Chapter Three Impacts of Global Climate Change

lished multiple infectious disease surveillance sites globally, providing timely early warnings
and guiding countries in implementing preventive measures.
Increase support for infectious disease research and explore the development of new
vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic tools. For key infectious diseases such as dengue fever and
malaria, scientists are developing new generations of high-efficacy vaccines to improve pop-
ulation immunity protection rates. Research investments and technological advancements
provide strong support for addressing infectious disease threats exacerbated by climate
change.
Enhance public awareness of climate change and infectious diseases through education-
al campaigns, encouraging individuals to adopt preventive measures such as using mosquito
repellents and wearing protective clothing. Simultaneously, mobilize community efforts to
improve environmental sanitation and reduce breeding grounds for disease vectors. Commu-
nity education and public participation are crucial components of building healthy cities.

II. Increased Incidence of Heat-Related Diseases

(A) Extreme Heat Events and Heat-Related Diseases
As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and intensity of extreme heat
events are constantly increasing. These high-temperature conditions have multifaceted im-
pacts on human health, with the most prominent being the increase in heatstroke and other
heat-related illnesses. Heatstroke is an acute condition caused by exposure to high-tempera-
ture environments where the body cannot effectively regulate its temperature, which can be
life-threatening in severe cases. Other common heat-related illnesses include heat cramps
and heat exhaustion, which can also cause varying degrees of harm to the human body.
Extreme heat events not only increase the incidence of the aforementioned acute condi-
tions but may also exacerbate symptoms of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases
and respiratory system diseases. In high-temperature environments, the human body increas-
es cardiac workload to dissipate heat, leading to blood pressure fluctuations. Simultaneously,
reduced air humidity and increased pollutant concentrations can irritate the respiratory tract,
worsening conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in
patients.
(2) Impact on Elderly and Vulnerable Groups
Elderly and vulnerable populations are particularly susceptible to extreme heat, as their
declining physiological functions and reduced adaptability make them more prone to heat-re-
lated diseases.
1. Elderly
As the body ages, the thermoregulatory mechanisms gradually weaken, with reduced
sweat gland function in the skin and diminished renal water excretion capacity, all contrib-
uting to elderly individuals’ susceptibility to heat-related illnesses. Additionally, many older
adults suffer from chronic diseases or take medications that further impair their heat toler-

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