WASHINGTON (AFP) — Children are especially vulnerable to the adverse health effects of global warming, said a report released Monday.
"Anticipated direct health consequences of climate change include injury and death from extreme weather events and natural disasters, increases in climate-sensitive infectious diseases, increases in air pollution-related illness, and more heat-related, potentially fatal, illness," the report presented at the annual congress of the American Academy of Pediatrics said.
"Within all of these categories, children have increased vulnerability compared with other groups," it said.
The authors urged pediatricians, especially in the United States, which they noted produces the most greenhouse emissions per capita of any country, to lead by example and run environment-friendly practices.
Among health dangers associated with climate change that would affect children are a projected increase in vector-borne illnesses, such as malaria, which is carried by mosquitoes; a greater incidence of asthma and respiratory illnesses; and more heat-related deaths.
The report also warned of food shortages caused by unchecked global warming, and much-reduced water availability in regions including the US west coast, parts of which, in California, were ravaged by fire last week.
Food and water shortages could in turn lead to massive population movements, the report said.
It urged pediatricians to lead by example and take on the role of public advocates against global warming.
"Pediatric health care professionals are in an ideal position to advocate for action, not only to address climate change but also to ensure sustainability," the report said.
"Pediatricians can incorporate considerations of the effects of climate change on health into their professional practice and personal lives," it said, giving concrete examples ranging from encouraging patients to cut down on car usage to educating local officials to the dangers of climate change.
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