How does sea level rise impact public health, especially in coastal areas ?

Sea level rise, driven by global warming and climate change, poses significant threats to public health in coastal areas through flooding and storm surge, waterborne diseases, environmental health hazards, mental health concerns, economic impacts, and social determinants of health. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach that includes adaptation strategies, improved infrastructure resilience, and mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
How does sea level rise impact public health, especially in coastal areas

Impact of Sea Level Rise on Public Health in Coastal Areas

Sea level rise, driven primarily by global warming and climate change, poses significant threats to public health, particularly in coastal areas. The following are some of the ways in which sea level rise can impact public health:

Flooding and Storm Surge

  • Increased Risk of Drowning: Rising sea levels can lead to more frequent and severe flooding events, increasing the risk of drowning for people living in low-lying coastal areas.
  • Damage to Infrastructure: Flooding can damage critical infrastructure such as hospitals, water treatment facilities, and power plants, disrupting essential services and potentially leading to public health crises.

Waterborne Diseases

  • Contamination of Drinking Water: Saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources can contaminate drinking water supplies, leading to waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery.
  • Spread of Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Standing water from floods provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can spread diseases like dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria.

Environmental Health Hazards

  • Toxic Algae Blooms: Warmer waters can lead to an increase in harmful algal blooms, which produce toxins that can harm humans who consume contaminated seafood or swim in affected waters.
  • Air Quality Issues: Higher sea levels can exacerbate issues related to air quality, such as increased humidity and the formation of ozone pollution near coastlines.

Mental Health Concerns

  • Trauma and Displacement: The loss of homes and communities due to chronic flooding or acute storm events can lead to psychological trauma and displacement stress for affected populations.
  • Chronic Stress: The ongoing threat of sea level rise and its potential impacts can contribute to chronic stress and anxiety among coastal residents.

Economic Impacts and Social Determinants of Health

  • Economic Losses: Damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure can lead to economic losses, which in turn can affect access to healthcare services and overall well-being.
  • Migration and Overcrowding: As coastal areas become less habitable, there may be mass migrations to inland areas, leading to overcrowding and strained resources in those regions.

In conclusion, sea level rise is a complex issue that affects public health through various direct and indirect pathways. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach that includes adaptation strategies, improved infrastructure resilience, and mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.