The effects of climate change that first come to mind when thinking about it have an environmental character. As its name indicates, the climate changes and temperatures become more extreme, rainfall is scarce or too abundant, the polar caps melt, the sea level rises, increasing cases of flooding… But we also know that there are other effects less known, 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 rather direct, such as those derived from heat stroke. But others are managed in a much more sibylline way, without being seen. These are, for example, the changes produced in our brain.
Recently, a team of scientists, led from the University of Vienna, but coming from many other centers, has carried out a study with the aim of studying these effects. With it, we seek to fulfill four missions. To start, investigate the negative impact of climate change on the human brain. Next, identify ways to adapt, but also understand the neural substrates of decisions with pro-environmental and harmful outcomes. And, of course, create neuroscience-based knowledge on communication and intervention strategies that aim to promote climate action.
In short, this study seeks to observe how climate change affects the brain and, in turn, see how it can help. understanding of the human mind to look for measures to alleviate it. The results basically support what other previous research has already shown. That climate change is shaping our brain little by little and that, of course, is another compelling reason to try to stop it.
The triggers and effects of climate change on the brain
When talking about the factors related to climate change that affect the brain, we must separate them into two groups. On the one hand, those who, in reality, are climate change triggers. And, on the other hand, those that arise as consequences of it.
The double danger of triggers
In the first we have the effects of air pollution. This affects human health at many levels and, of course, also has effects on the brain.
For example, in 2015 a team of scientists from the Boston University School of Public Health pointed out with a study that the children who live less than 50 meters from a main road they have a lowest IQ. This can be a quite controversial measure, but they also observed that they have a lower capacity to perform tasks that require the hand-eye coordination. All of this was done in comparison to children who live 200 meters from roads and are therefore exposed to lower levels of airborne polluting particles.
On the other hand, it has been seen that exposure to these polluting particles increases the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative diseasesAs the Alzheimer’s, Others, like the Parkinson’s, They do not seem to be directly linked to air pollution, but their symptoms can be exacerbated.
The effects of climate change
Regarding the effects of climate change, heat is undoubtedly one of those that can affect our brain the most. 2023 has been a key year for skeptics to understand once and for all that we are directly exposed to climate change. Throughout the year, but especially in summer, temperature records have been broken, with one heat wave after another. This is harmful to the brain, since high temperatures have been seen to increase the chances of strokes, as well as other forms of neurological impairment.
And the worst thing is that all this gives rise to a dangerous vicious circle. Extreme temperatures worsen the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. Among these is precisely the ability to evaluate the environment that surrounds us. A person with one of these pathologies may have more trouble realizing that it’s too hot and, therefore, not taking action on the matter. As a result, the effects of that heat on your health will be even worse. And start again.
The role of ecoanxiety
Another of the great effects of climate change is eco-anxiety. More and more people are suffering from anxiety due to the dizzying pace at which the world advances. global warming, without the population being able to do practically anything. If governments and large companies do not take action on the matter, the world population He doesn’t have much to do.
This is having a huge impact on the mental health of the population. So much so that this new term has begun to be used. It is one of the factors that have been taken into account In the international study published in Nature Climate Changesince it is another way in which the brain of human beings is being affected.
Therefore, the effects of climate change go far beyond what is obvious. The health of our brain, that of the little ones in the house and that of our elders is at stake. And it also affects the brains of politicians and businessmen. Therefore, there are plenty of reasons for all of us, especially them, to take action on the matter. We’re still on time.