Evaluating the public health impact and Ecosystem impacts of rising temperatures on the heat-related illnesses in vulnerable populations
Abstract
This paper analyses the health of the general Population in the context of elevated temperatures and heat-related illnesses (HRIs), and their prevalence among at-risk groups, such as the elderly, children, and individuals with underlying health issues. This will add to the health consequences of heat in places ill-equipped to accommodate such changes in climate, as both the intensity and frequency of heat waves are on the rise. The primary objective will be to identify the relationship between rising temperatures and the occurrence of HRIs, with a specific focus on vulnerable groups. This paper estimates the temperature thresholds associated with high HRI using a combination of epidemiological analyses, climate models, and health surveillance systems. Rising temperatures also place wildlife and domesticated animals at elevated risk of heat stress, dehydration, and habitat disruption. Evidence shows that many species experience altered behavior, reduced thermoregulation capacity, and increased mortality during extreme heat events, making animals important early indicators of environmental heat severity. These ecosystem disturbances indirectly shape human vulnerability by destabilizing natural systems. The results of the research indicate that certain interventions are needed in the sphere of public health development, such as the development of heat-related health warning systems and community-based climate change adaptation data, to reduce risk and protect the vulnerable Population. The paper has indicated an intersection between climate change and human health and that there is a need to collaborate to minimize the health impact in the future.