Effects of Global Warming on Public Health

Climate change is affecting human health more than doctors have noticed in the past. Pollen, wildfires, temperature changes and man-made pollution are getting to us. Asthma is on the rise in children. Summer heat-related deaths outweigh winter cold-weather deaths. Something has to change.Right now we're facing more heat waves. The elderly are most affected by the heat, dying of heat stroke and dehydration. It's important to keep cool and stay hydrated when the temperature climbs.There are increases in air pollution that appear to be related to climate change. When the air is hotter, it creates a favorable condition for more harmful ozone to be close to the earth. We breathe that low-level ozone and it can trigger asthma attacks.We're facing more severe storms now than ever. Injuries and death from storms always make the news. The impact from these storms seems greater. There appear to be more hurricanes, floods and rockslides. These all impact public health.People need to become aware of the science of what's happening to our planet. We need to work together to do something about it.Right now you can make a difference. Conserve power. Walk, bicycle or take public transportation to decrease pollution. If we all make small changes, we will have a collective impact.Dr. Lynn Goldman explains how global warming is harming our health, as well as viable solutions to combat the effects.