#47 - The impacts of climate change on human health

What are the impacts of climate change on human health?

Climate change is a large public health threat, it impacts all aspects of human health from physical to mental. Dr. Neelu Tummala joins us to discuss how we are seeing the direct effects of climate change on human health. She also shares ways that both patients and doctors can take action to help combat climate change.

The face of climate change is no longer the polar bear, it is your son, your grandma, your neighbour, and even you!

What we cover in this climate change episode:

• How is climate change impacting our health?

• Why are doctors are concerned about the increased length of pollen allergy season?

• What can doctors and patients do to make a difference with climate change?

  • Understanding what changes the government can do such as the Build Back Better Act

  • Supporting local organizations

  • Energy efficiency home

• Building awareness: if you are living with a condition that is affected by climate change and your environment - talk about it!

• How climate change is impacting lower-income communities more than wealthy communities?

• Dr. Tummala explains why you want to talk about climate change with your doctor

• The importance of being aware of the air quality index

• How much impact does an individual have versus a government or big company?

• Plant-based diet - what if you love eating steak?

• Is recycling actually worth it?

Helpful resources:

More about Dr. Neelu Tammula

• Dr. Neelu Tummala is a board-certified physician, surgeon, writer and climate advocate who has a special interest in education and advocacy concerning the health effects of climate change and environmental injustice.

• She is on the Steering Committee for Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action and is a trained Climate Reality Leader. She has worked with the American Lung Association, Union of Concerned Scientists, The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, and Environment Virginia as a volunteer activist and educator.

• Follow Dr. Tummala on social media:

  • https://www.instagram.com/neelutummala/

  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelu-tummala-55600196/

  • https://twitter.com/neelutummala