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World’s first person medically diagnosed with ‘climate change’

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A doctor in British Columbia has diagnosed his patient with climate change, the first to do so in the world.

Imagine walking into your doctor’s office and complaining about a series of worsening medical conditions, only to be told that you are suffering from climate change.

It might sound a bit odd, but this was the recent experience of a 70-year-old woman living in British Columbia, Canada.

Her practitioner, Dr Kyle Merritt, arrived at this unique conclusion after observing that many of his already sick patients were becoming even more ill following the hottest and deadliest heatwave in BC history.

Throughout the period of prolonged heat, Dr Merritt and his colleagues working in the emergency department of a local hospital saw an increase in patients coming in for severe respiratory problems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AuzksjSRTY&ab_channel=Grist

As the heatwave sparked wildfires, thick smoke billowed across the province, lowering air quality to 43 times below the level safe for humans. For those with pre-existing conditions, this poor environment made them worse.

‘She has diabetes. She has some heart failure. She lives in a trailer, no air conditioning,’ said Dr Kyle Merritt. He continued, ‘all of her health problems have been worsened and she’s really struggling to stay hydrated.’

So, for the first time ever, a doctor has written ‘climate change’ as the underlying cause of a patient’s declining health.

Dr Merritt’s opinion was backed by forty other medical professionals working in the hospital. Together, this group of practitioners have formed an advocacy group called Doctors and Nurses for Planetary Health.

Around the world, medical practitioners are agreeing that ‘climate change’ could become a common diagnosis for patients in the future.

It’s clear, humanity has not adapted to live in a warmer world. The pressure it places on our biological wellbeing – especially our heart and lungs – is starting to become overwhelming.

Over 500 people lost their lives during the record-breaking temperatures over the last summer in Canada. Similar figures were recorded in the US, with many of these people already vulnerable and living in low-income areas.

If there’s ever been a time to brand climate change as more than just a threat to the environment, but also as a health and social issue – it’s now.

Science journals have collected and reported tons of data on the subject of climate change as it relates to human health, offering strategies for mitigating these consequences.

As world leaders wrap up the final negotiations at COP26, let’s hope they bear these suggestions in mind – the future of our planet and our species depends on it!

Senior Writer & Media Coordinator London, UK

I’m Jessica (She/Her). Originally from Bermuda, I moved to London to get a Master’s degree in Media & Communications and now write for Thred to spread the word about positive social change, specifically ocean health and marine conservation. You can also find me dipping my toes into other subjects like pop culture, health, wellness, style, and beauty.  Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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