Shamsa Kanwal, M.D., is a board-certified Dermatologist with over 10 years of clinical experience. She has a strong interest in environmental health, public health policy, and climate-related health impacts, particularly as they relate to skin disease, infectious disease, and vulnerable populations. She currently practices as a Consultant Dermatologist at https://www.myhsteam.com Profile link: https://www.myhsteam.com/writers/6841af58b9dc999e3d0d99e7 1) How is the climate changing in Europe? What are the main concerns and how may these impact health? Europe is experiencing rising average temperatures, more frequent and intense heatwaves, changing rainfall patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events. These changes are linked to higher rates of heat-related illness, worsening air quality that exacerbates respiratory conditions, and shifts in the distribution of infectious diseases. Skin conditions such as heat rash, UV-related skin cancers, and flare-ups of chronic inflammatory skin diseases are also likely to increase. 2) As temperatures rise, how high is the risk of conditions like dengue to Europe? What should be done to curb the spread? The risk is growing due to warmer climates enabling the spread of Aedes mosquitoes into southern and central Europe. Preventive measures include strong vector surveillance systems, public education on mosquito bite prevention, and rapid-response strategies for outbreak containment. 3) What should be included in heat-action plans? Is this country-specific? Effective heat-action plans should include early warning systems, community outreach to vulnerable populations, public cooling centers, hydration campaigns, and employer guidelines for outdoor work. While the basic framework can be standardized, plans must be adapted to each country's climate, healthcare capacity, and infrastructure. 4) What can health practitioners do to curb the negative effects of climate change on health? Healthcare providers can play a role in early detection of climate-related conditions, public education, advocating for policies that reduce environmental risks, and adjusting clinical guidelines to address emerging threats. In dermatology, for example, this includes reinforcing sun protection strategies and monitoring for vector-borne skin manifestations. Additional note: Public awareness campaigns that connect climate change directly to health, not just the environment, can be powerful in driving policy change and community action.
As someone who's spent over a decade in healthcare entrepreneurship and now manages clinical operations at Tru Integrative Wellness, I've seen how environmental stressors impact patient health. We're treating increasing numbers of men and women for hormone imbalances and stress-related conditions that correlate with heat exposure and air quality issues. Climate change creates a cascading health crisis through multiple pathways. Rising temperatures disrupt sleep patterns, which we see directly affecting testosterone levels in our male patients--poor sleep quality is one of the leading contributors to hormonal decline. Heat stress also increases cortisol production, creating a domino effect on sexual health, energy levels, and metabolic function. For heat-action plans, healthcare facilities need protocols for hormone monitoring during extreme weather events. At our practice, we've noticed testosterone levels can drop 15-20% during prolonged heat waves, similar to what we see with chronic stress. Plans should include hydration protocols and cooling strategies specifically designed for hormone-sensitive populations. Health practitioners should screen for climate-related health impacts during routine visits. We now ask patients about sleep quality during hot nights and stress levels related to extreme weather. Simple interventions like recommending sleep optimization during heat waves can prevent more serious hormonal disruptions down the line.
Europe's climate is definitely warming up, with noticeable changes in weather patterns over the years. Summers are getting hotter and winters less harsh, and this has stirred up some real concerns on health fronts. Heatwaves are a major worry because they can lead to conditions like heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be fatal if not addressed timely. Then, there's the air quality issue; more heat often means higher levels of pollutants and allergens in the air, which can exacerbate respiratory problems and heart conditions. As far as diseases like dengue are concerned, the risk is rising with the temperature. Warmer climates serve as a perfect breeding ground for the mosquitoes carrying dengue. To curb the spread, it's vital to focus on effective mosquito control strategies and public education on prevention measures. Monitoring and surveillance of mosquito populations can help nip potential outbreaks in the bud. And keep in mind, stagnant water is a mosquito's best friend; getting rid of these potential breeding sites can cut down their numbers significantly. Heat action plans are essential for cities, especially as the mercury climbs. These should definitely include strategies like opening cooling centers and extending community support to vulnerable groups like the elderly and the homeless. Also, issuing timely heat alerts can save lives by informing people when to take extra precautions. Per specifics, yes, strategies might need to be tailored to specific regions. What works up north might not be as effective down south, depending on various factors like urban density and local climate conditions. Health practitioners have a crucial role in dealing with the health impacts of climate change. They need to stay on top of the latest research to advise and treat people effectively. Educating patients about the risks of heat and the importance of hydration and cool environments during heatwaves is key. Practitioners should also be prepared to handle an increase in climate-related health issues, from heat stress to diseases borne by ticks and mosquitoes, which are thriving in warmer temps. Lastly, it's super important for the public to stay informed. Awareness and education on how to adapt to these changes can make a big difference. And remember, small steps can lead to big changes--simple actions like checking up on elderly neighbors during a heatwave or removing standing water can help protect your health and community.
Neuroscientist | Scientific Consultant in Physics & Theoretical Biology | Author & Co-founder at VMeDx
Answered 8 months ago
Good Day, 1) How is the climate changing in Europe and how does it affect health? Europe is home to the world's fastest warming regions which in turn is bringing in longer and deadlier heat waves, more frequent wildfires, and floods that put cities to task. This is not weather we are talking about it is also a health issue which is seeing rise in cases of heat stroke, heart and lung diseases and also reports of mental health issues. Also at issue are the elderly, the young and those with chronic illnesses which are bear the brunt of it. Health care systems are stressed. 2) How real is the dengue threat in Europe — and what needs to happen? The dengue threat is very much a present issue in Europe which was once out of question. We are seeing the mosquitoes that carry it do very well in the south and central parts of the continent. Also we are seeing local cases report in France, Spain and Italy which is a tell tale sign that it is here to stay. What we need is a good mosquito control program, a public education campaign and quick response to cases which if we don't we run the risk of wider spread out breaks. 3) What should be included in heat-action plans? What would be most effective- and is this country-specific? A good plan is one that issues early warning, protects the most at risk populations and has health care systems ready to go. Things like cooling centers, shaded public areas and support for outdoor workers are what make the difference. But each country has to tailor the plan to its own climate and infrastructure what works in Sweden may not work in Greece. 4) What can health practitioners do to curb the negative effects of climate change on health? Docs and nurses are on the front lines. They are the first to see the health issues related to climate change, they guide patients on how to stay safe and they are advocates for a greener, more resilient health care. Their voice is important which is why we need them in the climate conversation like never before. If you decide to use this quote, I'd love to stay connected! Feel free to reach me at gregorygasic@vmedx.com and outreach@vmedx.com.
How Is the Climate Changing in Europe? Rising UV radiation exposure: Climate change has been linked to higher levels of ultraviolet radiation, which makes conditions for exposure more intense in different parts of Europe. As the Earth's temperature rises and the ozone layer gets worse, more UV radiation is reaching the surface of the Earth. This higher UV exposure is becoming more dangerous because it can cause a number of health problems, especially for the skin and eyes (https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/observatory/evidence/health-effects/uv-radiation). Health Impacts and Concerns: Eye health deterioration Climate change can directly affect eye health by raising the levels of UV radiation. More exposure to UV radiation has been linked to more cases of dry eye syndrome, cataracts, and other types of UV-related eye damage (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8297364/). If these problems aren't treated, they can cause pain, trouble seeing, and even permanent vision loss. How Health Practitioners Can Respond Strengthening Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: Health professionals can help lessen the harmful effects of climate change on public health by working with public health authorities to improve disease surveillance and early warning systems. Practitioners can help identify and respond quickly to new climate-related health threats, like the spread of vector-borne diseases or the onset of heat-related illnesses, by working together to keep an eye on them. This proactive approach helps make sure that communities are better ready to deal with the new problems that a changing climate brings, which protects the health of patients. Additional Public Insights Sustainability in Healthcare: As part of the larger healthcare sector, the optical industry is working to reduce its impact on the environment and encourage sustainable practices. One way to lower the industry's carbon footprint is to use more eco-friendly materials, like frames made from recycled plastics. SPX Green+ is a bio-circular material made from organic waste that brands like Silhouette use. It cuts carbon emissions by 60% compared to regular plastics (https://www.optiknow.ca/2025/04/16/sustainable-eyewear-canada/) This move toward sustainability is good for the environment and shows that the optical industry is serious about dealing with the problems that climate change and its effects on public health cause.