Climate change: a survivors' guide: The Guardian

Support The Guardian

As warnings of global climate change grow ever more dire, John Vidal offers 10 tips on how to prepare for an apocalyptic future 

John Vidal

Mon 14 Oct 2013 

Extremes of heat and rainfall are likely to make natural disasters commonplace in the future. Photograph: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images

1 Stay cool, dry

Britain is expected to get more extremes of heat and rainfall, so prepare for more severe floods, longer droughts and more powerful storms. No one knows quite what the effect over time will be of a slowing Gulf stream, or the melting of arctic sea ice, but climate scientists confidently expect temperatures to rise up to 4C by 2100. That could mean big shifts in rainfall patterns and a more unpredictable climate. So clear your drains, fix your roof and move to Wales – or at least to somewhere with good water supply. The worst that could happen? Your grandchildren will inherit inexorably rising temperatures that render much of the Earth uninhabitable. Their problem? Yes, but yours, too.

Prepare for a climate change health crisis where infectious diseases rapidly spread.

Can there be social distancing whilst fighting wildfires?

PREPARE FOR CHALLENGES TO HEALTH SYSTEMS

Climate Change will overload health systems. Climate change affected disasters (hurricanes, wildfires, floods) will cause disease control measures such as social distancing and restrictions on movement to break down. Disaster caused injuries will further overwhelm health systems.  COVID 19 and other infectious diseases will spread like wildfire. 


"Hurricane season starts June 1. We will still be in the coronavirus pandemic period, hopefully looking at a flat curve or a lowering of transmission and death. But.....the southern US states have been the last to impose restrictions on movement, and some have not yet done so. Hurricanes typically strike the coasts of those states, so we might be reading about really ugly situations developing down there. We all hope not, because we have enough tragedy this year."
RJ Zimmerman

 






'AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said today that the evidence is in on climate change - and it is irrefutable.

“The AMA accepts the scientific evidence on climate change and its impact on human health and human wellbeing,” Dr Bartone said.'

“The scientific reality is that climate change affects health and wellbeing by increasing the situations in which infectious diseases can be transmitted, and through more extreme weather events, particularly heatwaves.

“Climate change will cause higher mortality and morbidity from heat stress.

“Climate change will cause injury and mortality from increasingly severe weather events.

“Climate change will cause increases in the transmission of vector-borne diseases.








“Climate change will cause food insecurity resulting from declines in agricultural outputs.

“Climate change will cause a higher incidence of mental ill-health.

“These effects are already being observed internationally and in Australia. There is no doubt that climate change is a health emergency.

“The AMA is proud to join the international and local chorus of voices urging action to address climate change on health grounds,” Dr Bartone said.

The AMA is calling on the Australian Government to:

• Adopt mitigation targets within an Australian carbon budget. 
• Promote the health benefits of addressing climate change.
• Develop a National Strategy for Health and Climate Change.
• Promote an active transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
• Establish a National Sustainable Development Unit to reduce carbon emissions in the healthcare sector. https://ama.com.au/media/climate-change-health-emergency
•  

Further Suggested Actions by Followers

• investment in research and development to prepare or epidemics of diseases once confined to tropical locations 

• a dramatic development of mental health facilities 

• improvement of child health facilities

• ensure all have access to affordable healthcare 

• "At-risk communities should be given access to economical renewable energy; programs for affordable, climate-friendly heating or cooling options; and strong resilience measures to better cope with climate impacts." https://time.com/5672636/climate-change-public-health/  


 health jailclimatecriminals gaolclimatecriminals mosquito smokepollution children disease mental heath support

See also:  Prepare for likely food shortages
 

Preparing for Killing Air Pollution

The dangers of air pollution including smoke pollution have been brought home to many over the last few months. Wildfire smoke has penetrated many cities and covered huge areas of regional Australia. Doctors are warning that smoke contains minute particles that penetrate into the smallest parts of our lungs. Pregnant women and those with respiratory problems are urged to stay indoors. 

Some suggested government actions for this aspect of our climate crisis are:

• a comprehensive public health program  • revision of labour laws to allow those at most risk to work from home or in a safe environment  • free respite facilities for the most vulnerable especially the homeless  • the building of smoke-safe public housing to accommodate the homeless  * funding research into lung disease  • ensuring other sources of air pollution are completely controlled  • provision of free quality face masks

• jailclimatecriminals criminalesclimáticosdelacárcel gaolclimatecriminals buyfromthebush criminales climáticos de la cárcel climate science climate emergency global warming
•  
• See also:  Preparing for a Climate Change Health Crisis 

Related Tumblr blog: Prepare for Climate Crisis © 2019

Preparing for heatwaves

Heatwaves are already a major killer around the world.

Here are just some suggested preparations:

• tougher insulation requirements in buildings 

• cool retreat areas for those unable to remain cool in a home

• modification of worker safety protections

 

• modified building regulations

• air conditioned public transport and public buildings 

• increasing health budget

• increasing public health education 

• preparation for the compassionate processing of climate refugees

• reviewing the predicted effect of extreme temperatures on transport   and service facilities 

• back up power supplies and resources for hugely increased airconditioning demands

Deaths per decade from heatwaves

• jailclimatecriminals, #criminalesclimáticosdelacárcel,   #heatwaves

Prepare for Climate Crisis © 2019