Climate Change and Health: A Denial We Can’t Afford
Hey everyone! I’m Lily, an incoming freshman at the University of Florida and an enthusiastic blogger for Patient Earth. As someone who’s deeply passionate about the environment and its direct impact on public health, I’m both thrilled and concerned about starting this new chapter. My journey as a student and environmental advocate begins with an urgent issue that directly affects our health and well-being: climate change.
Recently, a significant development in Florida politics caught my attention. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that removes references to climate change from state law. This action, reported by Florida Phoenix, has sparked widespread debate and concern. As someone who connects the dots between environmental issues and disease, I find this particularly alarming.
Why This Matters
Climate change isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a real and pressing crisis that affects our daily lives. From worsening air quality to increased frequency of extreme weather events, the impacts are profound and far-reaching. The health implications of climate change are numerous, including:
Respiratory Issues: Increased air pollution from wildfires and industrial emissions can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
Heat-Related Illnesses: Rising temperatures can lead to heat strokes, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations.
Vector-Borne Diseases: Changes in climate can alter the distribution of insects like mosquitoes, which spread diseases such as dengue fever and malaria.
Food and Water Security: Climate change impacts agricultural productivity and water availability, potentially leading to malnutrition and waterborne diseases.
The Denial Dilemma
By signing this bill, DeSantis is effectively erasing climate change from the state’s legislative discourse. This move doesn’t just ignore the science—it undermines efforts to address a crisis that’s already affecting Floridians’ health. Denying the problem doesn’t make it go away. In fact, it makes it harder to implement effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to these changes.
Ignoring climate change in policy means missing out on opportunities to safeguard public health. For instance, policies designed to reduce carbon emissions can also improve air quality, which directly benefits respiratory health. Effective climate action can lead to healthier, more resilient communities.
What We Can Do
As I embark on my academic journey at UF, I’m committed to raising awareness about these critical connections. It’s essential for us to advocate for science-based policies that address climate change and its health impacts. Here’s how we can all make a difference:
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the links between climate change and health. Knowledge is power, and understanding these connections can drive meaningful action.
Advocate for Change: Support policies and leaders who recognize the reality of climate change and its health implications. Engage in local activism and community efforts aimed at environmental sustainability.
Reduce Your Footprint: Take personal actions to lessen your environmental impact, such as reducing energy consumption, supporting sustainable practices, and promoting green initiatives.
Collaborate: Work with organizations, like Patient Earth, that focus on environmental and health issues. Together, we can amplify our voices and push for the change we need.
As I step into this new phase of life at UF, I’m excited to learn, engage, and contribute to the fight against climate change. Let’s work together to ensure that our policies reflect the reality of our world and that we build a healthier, more sustainable future.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more updates on this crucial issue!
University of Florida Freshman | Patient Earth Blogger
