Climate Change, Air Pollution and Human Health: Past, Present and Future

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change and air pollution are closely interconnected environmental issues that have significant implications for human health. The sources and impacts of air pollution contribute to climate change, and both phenomena can have direct and indirect effects on the well-being of individuals and communities.

Vehicle emissions contribute to the release of pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Factories and power plants release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. Coal, oil, and natural gas combustion release pollutants, including greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Inhalation of pollutants can lead to respiratory problems and aggravating conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, and long-term exposure is linked to heart disease and strokes. Certain air pollutants, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are carcinogenic.

The effects of climate change, such as heatwaves, can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Increased frequency and intensity of storms, floods, and droughts can affect health infrastructure and lead to injuries and diseases. Changes in climate patterns can impact the distribution of disease-carrying vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks.

This Special Issue aims to showcase novel results on the direct and indirect associations between climate change, air pollution, and various aspects of human health.

Dr. Vidmantas Vaičiulis
Prof. Dr. Jonė Venclovienė
Guest Editors

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• air pollution
• climate change
• heatwaves
• coldwaves
• human health
• non-communicable diseases
• infectious diseases

Title: Climate change, air pollution and human health in South Africa and Brazil

Author: Monika dos Santos

Department of Psychology:  University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria 0004, South Africa

Background: By the year 2100, there is a 50% chance that global temperatures will have increased by more than 5°C. Human security is unquestionably at risk as the Earth's systems experience increasing unsustainable demands. This review article provides a theoretical foundation relating to climate change, air pollution, and human health within the Global South.  Method:  A PubMed literature search will be undertaken of the last 50 years in two case study areas, namely South Africa and Brazil. The following MeSH codes may be used: (“global south” [Mesh Terms] OR “africa” [All Fields] AND “africa” [All Fields] OR “south africa”  [All Fields]) AND “brazil” AND “climate change” [Mesh Terms] OR (“climate” [All Fields] AND “change” OR “climate change” [All Fields]) AND (cities (“cities” [MeSH Terms] OR “cities” [All Fields]). To be included in the final scoping review, articles will have to describe the relationship between the Global South, climate change, air pollution, and human health.  All relevant study designs will be eligible, including modelling studies, narrative and systematic reviews, case studies, case series and qualitative research. Results:  According to a preliminary review of the literature, climate has always played a significant role in the development of the Global South. For instance, people on the African continent have long adjusted to and lived with a high degree of climate fluctuation and the hazards that go along with it. However, the scientific consensus that Africa is the continent most vulnerable and least able to adapt to these changes has brought these risks into sharper focus and made the need to address them more urgent. These risks include the increasing incidence of climatic disasters (floods, droughts, cyclones), as well as the impact of wars, famine, and disease (notably but not exclusively HIV and AIDS) during the last century. Furthermore, air pollutants, such as methane and black carbon, are powerful short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) that contribute to climate change and ill health. Although SLCPs persist in the atmosphere for short lifetimes, their global warming potential is often much greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). Recommendations Cities, were most air pollution occurs, are considered to be significant locations for climate responses, and if humanity responds soon, a problem may still be resolved. The idea is to break down the vast problem of climate change into smaller, more manageable problems and crowdsource a solution using online argumentation systems, computer simulations, and group decision-making tools. This would tap into collective intelligence and take a novel holistic multi-systemic approach to the issue. Theory, policy and practice recommendations: As ‘first responders’, cities with similar location or vulnerability characteristics should also be encouraged to transfer best practices between each other. Additionally, it will be argued that although techniques for adaptation and mitigation are essential, the human race ultimately needs a fundamental shift in metaphors—from viewing the world as a machine to perceiving it as a holistic network.