The link between climate change, flooding and public health

In the last week, the United Kingdom experienced significant flooding due to heavy rainfall and high tides, with over 80 flood alerts being issued across the country. Hundreds of homes were evacuated, particularly in the Midlands, East Anglia and Southern England, causing extensive damage to properties and travel disruptions.

Flood alerts across the UK September 2024

The increasing frequency and severity of flooding is a direct consequence of climate change, with rising global average temperatures increasing evaporation leading to more moisture in the clouds and thus resulting in heavier rainfall. Moreover, in coastal areas, rising sea levels further increases flooding risks.

The changes in extreme weather we are experiencing are adding significant pressures to our public health systems, workforce and business models for companies. 

Refer to The Impact of Extreme Flooding - Climate Change & Nature (youtube.com), for further information to improve your climate change awareness.

The pressures of flooding on public health systems

1. Waterborne Diseases: The water from floods is often contaminated with pathogens, sewage, and chemicals, leading to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Poor sanitation in flood-affected areas, especially in developing regions, heightens the risk of these diseases spreading.

2. Mental Health Impacts: Experiencing or witnessing the destruction caused by floods can lead to severe psychological trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common among flood survivors, particularly in communities that have suffered repeated flooding events. Displacement from homes, loss of livelihoods, and the uncertainty of recovery exacerbate mental health challenges.

3. Respiratory Problems: Floods often leave behind damp environments where mould and mildew thrive. Prolonged exposure to these conditions can trigger respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

4. Vector-Borne Diseases: Flooded areas provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. As climate change alters ecosystems, previously unaffected regions may experience a rise in these diseases due to flooding.

5. Disruption to Healthcare Services: Flooding often damages essential healthcare infrastructure, disrupting access to medical services. Hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies may be submerged or inaccessible, leaving communities without critical healthcare during and after a flood. This heightens health issues, especially for people with chronic conditions who rely on consistent care.

6. Impact on vulnerable populations: Flooding disproportionately affects vulnerable groups like low-income communities, the elderly, and those with health conditions, as they often struggle to evacuate or access care. These populations face heightened health risks during floods, and slower rebuilding efforts in under-resourced areas prolong their recovery.

Conclusion

The recent severe flooding in the United Kingdom highlights the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change. The increasing frequency and severity of such events are not only causing widespread damage to properties and infrastructure but also posing significant challenges to public health systems. From the spread of waterborne and vector-borne diseases to the mental health impacts and disruption of healthcare services, the consequences are far-reaching and severe.

YORK: The River Ouse burst its banks, leading to houses in York flooding (Sept 2024)

It is crucial for policymakers, communities, and individuals to take proactive measures to mitigate these risks. This includes investing in resilient infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and supporting vulnerable populations. By acknowledging the reality of climate change and its effects, we can better prepare for and respond to these extreme weather events.

We at Simplify Climate are transforming and simplifying the integration of climate change. It is crucial for businesses to increase their understanding and start the integration of physical and transition risks related to climate change as this is crucial for long term strategic success.