Children’s Environmental Health Collaborative. (2024, June). State of global air 2024.
Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://ceh.unicef.org/events-and-resources/knowledge-library/state-global-air-2024

Firstly, it is important to consider the vulnerability that children have to air pollution due to the extremely high child and neonatal mortality rates pertaining to it. For example, though malnutrition was the leading cause of death in children under 5, the second leading risk factor is air pollution. Furthermore, in addition to complications that can occur with small children breathing in polluted air, it is linked to over a third of preterm births which can result in infant deaths or disabilities. Then we must consider air pollution’s relationship with climate change and essentially how we are responsible for it.

This article is related to environmental science because it lays out the cold hard facts about air pollution which has been collected through numbers-based data and then relates it back to human health and human impact on the environment. It really shows the relationship between field work and actually drawing conclusions from those numbers. This article made me feel very sad because it covered some very heavy topics and I found this fact to be quite disturbing: “every day almost 2000 children under 5 years die because of health impacts linked to air pollution”.

Frontiers. (2024, April 3). Immune-mediated disease caused by climate
change-associated environmental hazards: mitigation and adaptation. Retrieved August 11, 2024, from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/science/articles/10.3389/fsci.2024.1279192/full

Climate change is exacerbating diseases like asthma, allergies, autoimmune disorders, and cancer because it increases environmental stressors like pollen, air pollution, and heat waves which can disrupt human immune systems and cause immune dysregulation. Though these risks are increased on an individual basis and more so within high risk communities, researchers believe the solution to this is systemic efforts involving reducing emissions, improving air quality, enhancing housing, and increasing biodiversity to help reduce these effects.

This article explores the need for environmental policies and practices to safeguard our environment and human health, which is a key facet of environmental science. It is important that we educate the public about their environment so we can collectively make a change. This article makes me hopeful because I want to see more legislation protecting our environment during my lifetime and think that it will be soon too late to fix what we have done. I also personally have
terrible hayfever and would love to see that improve.

World Economic Forum. (2024, June 10). Warning on air pollution-related deaths, plus
other top health stories. Retrieved August 11, 2024, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/06/air-pollution-sti-colorectal-cancer-health-news/

According to a recent World Health Report, the greatest environmental health risk is air pollution. Air pollution has been credited with an increase in deaths related to cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and obesity as well as almost a million from strokes due to outdoor pollution. Despite this data and WHO recommendations, this article states that air quality has barely improved. These deaths are preventable and from a more cynical, economic standpoint cost 6.1% of global GDP, so researchers urge government action.

This article is related to environmental science because air pollution results from industrial activities and vehicle emissions and is negatively impacting both our environment and our own individual health. It shows how humans affect their surroundings, but also how these surroundings then in turn affect people. I feel urgent about this information because living in California, the effects of wildfires and the resulting air quality is very apparent here annually.

Yehya, N. (2024, March 20). Experts warn climate change will fuel spread of infectious
diseases. Retrieved August 10, 2024, from https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/experts-warn-climate-change-will-fuel-spread-of-infectious-diseases-/2024/03

A team of infectious disease experts warn that climate change is to blame for the recent increase in spread of harmful pathogens. The article highlights the increasing danger of vector-borne diseases–like malaria being spread by mosquitoes and Lyme disease being spread by ticks–which have been recently rising as a result of shifting weather patterns. This climate change has altered the distribution of these vectors, making human contact with them more likely. The study also mentions an increase in fungal infections in new environments.

This article is closely related to environmental science because climate change is an environmental phenomenon which is responsible for the spread and emergence of diseases around
the world. It sheds light on the role of changing ecosystems in altering public health. The article makes me concerned because I had not known about the deep connection between our health and our environment and worry that action to repair this bond will be slow because other people are also ignorant of it.

Anthes, E. (2024, May 8). Environmental Changes Are Fueling Human,
Animal and Plant Diseases, Study Finds. Retrieved August 10, 2024, from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/health/environment-climate-health.html

By analyzing the collective data from over 1,000 studies, researchers have discovered that major environmental changes–like climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and the introduction of invasive species into foreign environments–have increased the danger of diseases worldwide. The recent study shows that these alterations to our world consistently elevate disease risks and complications across various species including humans. The studies also found that urbanization appeared to decrease these risks, which was chalked up to its infrastructure. The researchers suggest further studies be conducted to see if this information can be used to mitigate disease risks.

This article is deeply related to environmental science because it emphasizes the effects of large-scale environmental changes. In exploring the link between things like climate change and infectious diseases, it highlights the connections between ecosystems and our health and how humans are disrupting natural balances and causing their own health challenges. It also demonstrates the importance of the scientific process because the study itself was done with the results of previous studies, exhibiting the peer review step in the scientific process and its importance. I find this article very shocking because though I understand the immense effects mankind has had on our environment, I would not have connected it with an uptick in disease risks. I definitely agree that we should widen our data field for this study to construct possible solutions.

U.S. proposes limits for cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water … (n.d.). https://grist.org/health/the-link-between-climate-change-and-a-spate-of-rare-disease-outbreaks-in-2023/

The article from Reuters discusses the proposed limitations on PFAS, a group of synthetic compounds widely used in industrial and consumer products due to their water-repellent and stain-resistant properties. These chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” due to their ability to remain in the environment and the human body, with possible adverse health effects. The EPA’s proposed limitations would restrict the use of PFAS in products and limit levels allowed in drinking water, as well as in emissions from industrial facilities. It also proposes a labeling requirement, to better inform consumers of the products that contain PFAS

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, are highly persistent and highly toxic synthetic compounds that are a great concern for public health and the environment. While their widespread application in industrial and consumer products has been popular, they have also introduced long-lasting toxicity and health risks. Their persistence in the environment, and their ability to bioaccumulate, increase the likelihood of exposure to humans and other organisms. As a result, it is essential to establish stronger regulations and limits on their use.

Teirstein, Z. (2023, December 20). The link between climate change and a spate of rare disease outbreaks in 2023. Grist. https://grist.org/health/the-link-between-climate-change-and-a-spate-of-rare-disease-outbreaks-in-2023/

The article from Grist discusses a potential link between climate change and a spate of rare disease outbreaks around the world during 2023. It notes that rising temperatures and extreme weather can create conditions favorable for the spread of disease. This is particularly true for certain diseases such as dengue, which is spread by mosquitos, and leptospirosis, which thrives when flooded. Additionally, climate change can disrupt the ecosystems that keep disease-causing viruses or bacteria in check. The article also highlights the need for international cooperation and prevention efforts to minimize the risks associated with climate-induced disease outbreaks.

The rise in climate-induced disease outbreaks has the potential to greatly negatively impact public health. Extreme heat events can put an additional strain on already overstressed medical systems, while also impacting agriculture productivity. Additionally, climate change can increase the prevalence of pests and invasive species, which can lead to further disease outbreaks. These factors can have a significant socio-economic impact, with the potential to destabilize communities. As a result, it is essential to acknowledge, address, and mitigate the role of climate change in disease spread.

A “tropical disease” carried by sand flies is confirmed in a new country: the U.S. (2023, November). NPR. 

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/11/01/1209681147/leishmaniasis-sand-flies-tropical-disease-endemic-north-america-united-states

Sand fly-transmitted Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania parasite. It occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world with between 600,000 and 1 million new infections happening worldwide every year. Recently, though, it has started growing in prevalence in areas outside of endemic regions such as the United States, where it has been reported in Texas, Florida, and Hawaii. The article from NPR discusses how the Leishmaniasis parasite is transmitted by sand flies, its symptoms and treatment, and its potential impact on public health in the United States. It also emphasizes the root cause of climate change, specifically a warming climate, and a need for prevention measures and further investigations.

Leishmania parasites, like most parasites, thrive in specific areas. Climate change has presented ideal conditions for the spread of such bacteria and parasites, as the increased temperatures and altered climates have made a wider range of environments a suitable breeding ground. The increased mobility of the human population has also allowed these outbreaks to spread to regions where they were previously not prevalent. As a result, the rise in parasitic diseases is a direct consequence of climate change, and will likely continue to increase in frequency and severity and spread further north.

Parker, L. (2023, May 8). Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us? National Geographic; National Geographic. 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/microplastics-are-in-our-bodies-how-much-do-they-harm-us

Microplastics are a growing environmental concern due to their presence in our air, water, and food, and their potential harm to human health. This article from National Geographic discusses how microplastics have infiltrated our bodies, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 particles per person. The article also discusses the potential effects of microplastics, such as inflammation and hormonal disruption, and their possible role in other diseases like obesity, asthma, and autoimmune conditions. The article also clarifies that while it’s easy to find a correlation between these issues, because of the sheer amount of chemicals, we’re exposed to in our daily lives, it’s hard to identify a clear correlation. It also emphasizes the need for more research and regulatory action. 

While the specific implications of microplastics in the human body remain largely unknown, their presence presents a significant risk to public health. Microplastics are capable of acting as carriers for various pollutants and toxins, and may themselves possess potential toxicity. These characteristics can cause a wide range of adverse effects which could contribute to a range of chronic illnesses. Additionally, the potential implications for reproductive health and immune function are potentially worrying, with the possibility of widespread chronic and degenerative illnesses. As a result, the presence of microplastics in the body requires further investigation.

  Leg injuries were seen in Anna’s Hummingbirds at multiple sites in central California, affecting 7% to 16% of recaptured females. These injuries happened because nesting material was built under their bands, and their legs naturally grew during breeding. Changing band sizes didn’t stop the injuries. Also, avian pox-like lesions were found on different body parts, which could hurt the hummingbirds permanently. Different banding methods, like steel, aluminum, or plastic bands, have caused leg injuries in other bird species, showing more significant worries about environmental diseases in bird conservation.

    This study is related to environmental science because it shows how environmental science connects with wildlife health and conservation. The buildup of nesting material under bands and the need to change band sizes to help the birds show how habitat changes made by humans and wildlife health are closely linked. To add on, the study highlights how human activities can affect bird populations and why managing the environment sustainably is essential. Ultimately, it emphasizes how crucial environmental science is for understanding and dealing with the effects of human activities on wildlife and ecosystems.