Effects changing of the climate what first comes to mind when thinking about this is environmental in nature. As the name suggests, climate change and temperatures are becoming more extreme, rainfall is scarce or too heavy, the polar ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, incidents of flooding are increasing… But we also know that there are other, lesser-known consequences, such as inequality in the distribution of resources, the resurgence of almost extinct diseases or the extinction of animals. It can also have detrimental effects on people’s health. Some are quite straightforward, such as those caused by heatstroke. But others are controlled in a much more Sibylline way, unnoticed. These are, for example, changes made in our brain.
Recently, a group of scientists led by University of Vienna, but coming from many other centers, conducted research to study these effects. With its help we strive to fulfill four missions. Start by researching the negative effects of climate change on the human brain. Then identify ways to adapt and understand the neural underpinnings of decisions that lead to pro-environmental and detrimental outcomes. And, of course, to create neuroscience-based knowledge about communication and intervention strategies to promote climate action.
In short, this study aims to observe how climate change affects the brain and, in turn, see how it can help. understanding the human mind look for measures to mitigate it. The results largely confirm what other previous studies have already shown. Climate change is shaping our brains little by little, which is of course another good reason to try to stop it.
Triggers and effects of climate change on the brain
When talking about factors related to climate change that affect the brain, we must divide them into two groups. On the one hand, those who actually climate change triggers. And, on the other hand, those that arise as the consequences of this.
Double Danger Triggers
In the first case we are talking about the consequences of air pollution. This affects human health on many levels and of course also has impact on the brain.
For example, in 2015, a group of scientists from the Boston University School of Public Health noted in a study that children living less than 50 meters from the main road they have lowest IQ. This may be a highly controversial measure, but they also noticed that they were less able to perform tasks that required hand-eye coordination. All this was done in comparison to children who live 200 meters from roads and therefore have lower exposure to airborne pollutants.
On the other hand, it has been observed that exposure to these polluting particles increases the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Others like Parkinson, They do not appear to be directly related to air pollution, but their symptoms may be aggravated.
Consequences of climate change
When it comes to the effects of climate change, heat is undoubtedly one of the factors that can affect our brains the most. 2023 was a key year for skeptics to understand once and for all that we are directly affected by climate change. Throughout the year, especially in summer, temperature records are broken: one heat wave follows another. This is not good for the brain as high temperatures have been seen to increase the chances of strokes as well as other forms of diseases. neurological disorders.
And the worst thing is that all this gives rise to a dangerous vicious circle. Extreme temperatures worsen symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. These include precisely the ability to evaluate the environment around us. It may be more difficult for a person with one of these pathologies to recognize that they are too hot and therefore not take action about it. As a result, the effects of heat on your health will be even worse. And start again.
The role of eco-anxiety
Another of the greatest impacts of climate change is environmental anxiety. More and more people are suffering from anxiety due to the breakneck pace of the world. global warming, while the population can do practically nothing. If governments and large companies do not take action on this issue, world population He doesn’t have much to do.
This has a huge impact on the mental health of the population. So much so that this new term began to be used. This is one of the factors that was taken into account in an international study published in Nature Climate Changesince this is another way of influencing the human brain.
So the consequences of climate change go far beyond what is obvious. The health of our brains, the health of the little ones in the house and the health of the elderly is at stake. And it also affects the brains of politicians and businessmen. So there are many reasons for all of us, especially them, to take action on this issue. We’re still on time.
Source: Hiper Textual
