How Climate Change Is Affecting Your Favorite Healthy Food Choices

January 12, 2025 / activist360

Close-up of red apples in a basket. The apples Have natural variations in color and texture, showcasing a mix of reddish hues and green patches. Some of the apples have visible blemishes, reflecting their organic and unprocessed state. The lighting is soft and warm, highlighting the rustic and fresh appeal of the apples. Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash.

Did you know that the apples you enjoy might soon face serious challenges because of rising temperatures?

Apples, one of the most beloved and healthiest snacks, are under threat. As climate change reshapes weather patterns, it’s also impacting how—and where—our food grows. These changes affect not just apples but many of the healthy foods we rely on every day. Understanding this issue is crucial for anyone who cares about their health and the environment. Let’s dive into how climate change is affecting your food.

The Science Behind the Problem

How Climate Change Impacts Agriculture

Climate change is causing shifts in temperatures, rainfall, and weather patterns worldwide. For agriculture, this means disrupted growing cycles, extreme heat, and unpredictable frosts—all of which create challenges for crops. Perennial crops like apples are particularly vulnerable because their growth depends on consistent weather conditions year-round.

Apples as a Case Study

Apples provide a clear example of how climate change affects food production. Scientists have identified six key climate factors that influence apple growth, including:

Extreme Heat Days: Days when temperatures exceed 93°F can cause sunburn on apple skins, reducing their quality.
Warm Nights: Nighttime temperatures above 59°F can prevent apples from developing their rich red color, making them less appealing to consumers.
Reduced Chill Portions: Apples need cold periods during winter to rest and prepare for spring growth. Warmer winters mean fewer of these essential chill hours.
Earlier Frost-Free Days: While this might sound good, it can disrupt the natural bloom cycle, increasing the risk of frost damage later.

Yakima County in Washington, one of the leading apple-producing regions in the U.S., has seen harmful trends in five of these six metrics. These changes reduce apple yield, size, color, and taste—qualities that make apples a staple in healthy diets.

Why It Matters to You

Health Implications

Changes in food production can directly impact your diet. When apples face extreme heat or warm nights, they may lose their flavor and nutritional value. Reduced availability of high-quality apples could make healthy eating more expensive or harder to achieve.

Environmental Concerns

When crops like apples struggle, farmers must use more resources to maintain production. This includes water for cooling trees during heatwaves or energy to run protective equipment. These added measures can increase the carbon footprint of growing food, contributing further to climate change—a cycle that’s tough to break.

Actions Being Taken

Adaptation by Farmers

Farmers are already finding ways to adapt. Here are some strategies being used:

Netting: Covers are placed over apple orchards to protect fruit from sunburn.
Evaporative Cooling: Spraying water on trees helps lower their temperature during heatwaves.
Crop Diversification: Planting heat-resistant apple varieties or other crops reduces risk.

Scientific Research and Innovation

Researchers are also stepping in. A $6.75 million USDA-funded project is helping farmers mitigate extreme climate events. This initiative includes studying how to adapt apples and pears to new growing conditions across the U.S., starting with Washington State. Scientists are working to find long-term solutions that keep crops productive despite challenging conditions.

How You Can Help

Support Sustainable Practices: When you buy apples and other produce, look for labels that indicate sustainable farming practices. Supporting local farmers who prioritize environmentally friendly methods can make a big difference.
Reduce Food Waste: Every piece of wasted food represents water, energy, and labor lost. By planning meals carefully and storing apples properly, you can reduce waste and lessen the strain on farmers already coping with climate challenges.
Advocate for Change: You don’t have to be a farmer to make a difference. Get involved in climate-friendly initiatives or share this information with others. Raising awareness about how climate change affects food can inspire collective action and support for sustainable practices.

Summing Up

Climate change is reshaping how and where our food is grown, with apples as just one example of a crop under threat. The impacts go beyond the farm, influencing your health, your wallet, and the environment. But there’s hope—farmers, scientists, and consumers can work together to protect our environment and food supply.

Source: Preston, S., Rajagopalan, K., Yourek, M., Kalcsits, L., & Singh, D. (2024). Changing climate risks for high-value tree fruit production across the United States. Environmental Research Letters, 19(12), 124092. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad90f4

The Hidden Cost of Climate Change: How Air Pollution Impacts Eye Health

November 17, 2024 / activist360

Air Pollution Impacts Eye Health. Credit: activist360

How Air Pollution from Climate Change is Taking a Toll on Our Eyes—and What We Can Do About It

Climate change is often discussed in terms of rising sea levels and extreme weather, but did you know it could also be affecting your eyes? Recent research has found a striking link between air pollution—a byproduct of climate change—and eye health issues like irritation and allergies. For example, high levels of air pollution can double the likelihood of needing treatment for conditions like dry eye syndrome.

Understanding the Science

What is Particulate Matter (PM)?

Particulate matter, or PM, is a mix of tiny particles and droplets in the air that come from sources like vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and even wildfires. The two main types, PM10 (particles smaller than 10 micrometers) and PM2.5 (smaller than 2.5 micrometers), are small enough to be inhaled or settle on the surface of your eyes. These pollutants are closely tied to human activities that drive climate change, such as burning fossil fuels.

How Does PM Affect Eye Health?

Your eyes are directly exposed to the environment, making them especially vulnerable to pollution. Particles can irritate the surface of the eyes, causing redness, itching, dryness, and even long-term conditions like dry eye syndrome. When exposed to high levels of particulate matter, the protective tear film on the eyes can break down, leading to discomfort and inflammation.

Key Findings from Recent Research

A study conducted in the Denver Metropolitan Area found significant connections between air pollution and eye health:

Higher Pollution, More Doctor Visits: Visits for eye irritation and allergies increased as pollution levels rose. For example, five days of exposure to PM10 at 110 µg/m³ made patients over twice as likely to seek treatment compared to lower pollution levels.
PM10 vs. PM2.5: While both types of particulate matter were linked to eye issues, PM10 had a stronger impact, especially during colder temperatures.
Beyond EPA Limits: Eye health effects were observed even at pollution levels below those considered harmful by the Environmental Protection Agency.

These findings align with broader studies that link air pollution to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, highlighting air quality as a serious health concern.

Broader Implications

Climate Change as a Health Crisis

This study underscores how climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a public health emergency. The pollutants contributing to global warming are also causing immediate harm to our bodies, including our eyes.

Eye Health as an Overlooked Area

While much attention is given to the respiratory and cardiovascular effects of pollution, the impact on eye health often goes unnoticed. This gap in awareness means millions of people could be suffering unnecessarily.

What Can You Do?

While collective action to hold polluters accountable is essential, here are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself and advocate for meaningful change.

Protect Yourself

Indoors: Use air purifiers to reduce indoor pollution levels.
Outdoors: Wear protective glasses and avoid outdoor activities on days with poor air quality.
Stay Informed: Check local air quality advisories and adjust your plans accordingly.

Advocate for Change

Support local and national politicians and policies that reduce emissions and improve air quality, such as stricter vehicle emissions standards and renewable energy initiatives.
Join or support organizations fighting for clean air and climate solutions.

Routine Eye Care

Schedule regular eye exams, especially if you live in areas with frequent air pollution.
Discuss symptoms like dryness or irritation with your eye doctor, as early treatment can prevent more serious issues.

Summing Up

The link between air pollution and eye health is clear: the higher the pollution, the greater the risk. But this isn’t just about statistics—it’s about our quality of life. By taking steps to protect yourself and advocating for cleaner air, you’re not just preserving your vision but contributing to a healthier, more sustainable world. Remember, protecting our planet isn’t just about saving the environment—it’s about protecting our health, including our eyes!

References:

Patnaik, J. L., Dye-Robinson, A., James, K. A., & Kahook, M. Y. (2024). Association Between Particulate Matter Pollutants and Ophthalmology Visits for Ocular Surface Irritation and Allergy. Clinical Ophthalmology, 18, 3263–3270. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S485199

How Climate Education for Clinicians Can Make a Difference

August 11, 2024 / activist360

Two healthcare professionals in masks forming a heart shape with their hands, holding a small globe within it, emphasizing their commitment to global health under the Quality Incentive Program (QIP)

In a survey of 2417 clinicians at an academic medical center, most found climate change and healthcare sustainability relevant to their practices and reported increased knowledge after completing a Quality Incentive Program (QIP) measure.

Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a health crisis that requires the attention and action of all sectors, including healthcare. A recent study at Massachusetts General Hospital, a leading academic medical center in Boston, has shed light on the power of climate education among healthcare professionals. This innovative approach through a Quality Incentive Program (QIP) highlights how targeted educational efforts can significantly enhance clinicians’ understanding and responsiveness to the health impacts of climate change.

The Power of Education in Healthcare

The QIP focused on educating clinicians about the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on health and healthcare sustainability. The program, involving structured educational video modules, was remarkably successful, with a participation rate of 94.5% among eligible clinicians. This high engagement rate underscores the healthcare community’s recognition of the urgency of the climate crisis.

Key Findings from the Study

Increased Knowledge and Awareness: Clinicians reported a significant increase in their knowledge about how climate change affects health. Post-education, most clinicians felt better equipped to address these challenges in their practice, indicating that education can effectively bridge the knowledge gap.

Relevance to Clinical Practice: The study revealed that the education was not only relevant but also crucial for clinical practice. Clinicians in specialties directly facing the impacts of climate change found the modules particularly pertinent. This highlights the need for specialty-specific content that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities within different fields of medicine.

Positive Shift in Attitudes: The positive reception to the educational modules was evident across various demographics within the healthcare community. Female clinicians and those in climate-facing specialties, such as pulmonology and infectious diseases, expressed a higher appreciation for the relevance of this education, suggesting that personal and professional experiences might influence perceptions of climate education’s importance.

Desire for More Action: Clinicians not only learned from the modules but were also motivated to seek further information and take action within their practices. This enthusiasm for more actionable insights points to a growing consensus among healthcare professionals about the role they play in mitigating climate change.

Implications for the Healthcare Sector

The success of the QIP at Massachusetts General Hospital demonstrates that climate education can be seamlessly integrated into professional development for healthcare providers. This approach not only enhances clinicians’ understanding but also empowers them to act. Healthcare institutions worldwide have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to adopt similar programs that educate and engage their staff in sustainability efforts.

Summing Up

The healthcare sector stands in a unique position to influence positive change. By incorporating climate education into regular training and incentive programs, healthcare providers can become pivotal players in advocating for and implementing environmentally sustainable practices. The findings from this study not only highlight the effectiveness of such educational initiatives but also call for a widespread adoption to make a more significant impact.

Call to Action

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to advocate for climate education within their institutions, ensuring that the health impacts of climate change are recognized and addressed in medical training and practice. It’s time to expand the role of healthcare in combating climate change, moving from awareness to action.

Armand, W., Padget, M., Pinsky, E., Wasfy, J. H., Slutzman, J. E., & Duhaime, A.-C. (2024). Clinician knowledge and attitudes about climate change and health after a quality incentive program. JAMA Network Open, 7(8), e2426790.