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Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health...
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Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Biometeorology and Bioclimatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2019) | Viewed by 34144

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Mary Norval

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, UK
Interests: effect of ultraviolet radiation on human health; vitamin D; skin immunity; viral infections of the skin; ozone depletion; skin cancer
Dr. Caradee Y. Wright

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Interests: environmental health; air pollution; public health; climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The impact of climate change on human health and wellbeing have already been observed around the world. Direct effects such as those related to heat, cold, floods, storms, and solar ultraviolet radiation have been documented. Some vector-, food-, and water-borne diseases as well as other infections influenced by ecosystems are likely to increase in incidence. Respiratory health is affected through near-surface ozone exposures, episodes of acute air pollution, and aeroallergens. Indirect health impacts also exist. For example, changes in agricultural production, loss of crop yield, and the nutritional value of food have detrimental effects on nutrition. Increasing ambient temperatures can lead to loss of work capacity and occupational health concerns. Their impact on mental health, mass migration, conflict, and violence, associated with changes in climate, should not be underestimated. 

Africa may be considered the continent facing some of the greatest challenges regarding climate change and health from threats including a rising sea level; drought and flooding; an increasing temperature; atmospheric changes in air pollution; solar ultraviolet radiation; and population growth, especially in urban settings.  This Special Issue will address the question ‘What is the present and future impact of climate change on human health in sub-Saharan Africa?’ This Issue will cover topics including, although not limited to, detection and attribution studies linking climate change and human health with a focus on atmospheric impact.  Effects on infectious and non-communicable diseases; social and environmental determinants of health; and factors influencing health such as air quality, food, and water security are all relevant.

Suggested Issue Topics relating to Sub-Saharan Africa:

  • Air pollution and its health impact in a changing climate;
  • Ambient and household air pollution and intervention-based studies;
  • Short- and long-term changes in extreme weather events and their impact on human health;
  • Long-term temperature and rainfall trends in relation to climate change-related health impact;
  • Solar ultraviolet radiation, in relation to ozone depletion and rising temperatures, and skin cancer;
  • Infectious diseases, especially vector-borne and water-borne, in relation to rising temperatures and weather changes;
  • Population displacement in relation to changing atmospheric conditions;
  • The impact of atmospheric-related factors on injuries, interpersonal crime, and occupation.

Prof. Mary Norval
Assoc. Prof. Caradee Y. Wright
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 154 KiB  
Editorial
Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa
by Caradee Yael Wright and Mary Norval
Atmosphere 2020, 11(12), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11121321 - 7 Dec 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2172
Abstract
The impacts of climate change on human health and wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa are projected to increase in the near future and are of considerable concern [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa)

Research

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19 pages, 2588 KiB  
Article
Perceptions of Occupational Heat, Sun Exposure, and Health Risk Prevention: A Qualitative Study of Forestry Workers in South Africa
by Hanna-Andrea Rother, Juanette John, Caradee Y. Wright, James Irlam, Riëtha Oosthuizen and Rebecca M. Garland
Atmosphere 2020, 11(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11010037 - 28 Dec 2019
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6027
Abstract
Occupational exposure to heat and solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) threatens the health and wellbeing of outdoor workers. These threats are likely to increase as a result of climate change. This study examined the perceptions of occupational heat and sun exposure and health risk [...] Read more.
Occupational exposure to heat and solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) threatens the health and wellbeing of outdoor workers. These threats are likely to increase as a result of climate change. This study examined the perceptions of occupational heat and sun exposure and health risk prevention among forestry workers removing alien invasive vegetation in the Western Cape, South Africa. The linkages between workers’ perceptions of heat, solar UVR, and herbicide exposure and impacts under the current climate were investigated to better understand potential adaptation needs under a changing climate. Using focus group discussions and participatory risk mapping, heat stresses identified by workers were either environmental (e.g., lack of shade) or work-related (e.g., wearing required personal protective equipment). Several heat and solar UVR health impacts were reportedly experienced by workers; local indigenous knowledge and coping mechanisms, such as wearing ochre for sun protection, were used to prevent these impacts. Despite workers’ current efforts to protect their health, existing gaps and opportunities to improve working conditions were identified. Institutional structures for improved reporting of adverse events are imperative, together with awareness and education campaigns about the risks associated with working in hot and sunny environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa)
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11 pages, 1164 KiB  
Article
The Incidence of Skin Cancer in Relation to Climate Change in South Africa
by Caradee Y. Wright, Mary Norval, Thandi Kapwata, David Jean du Preez, Bianca Wernecke, Bianca M. Tod and Willem I. Visser
Atmosphere 2019, 10(10), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10100634 - 22 Oct 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7953
Abstract
Climate change is associated with shifts in global weather patterns, especially an increase in ambient temperature, and is deemed a formidable threat to human health. Skin cancer, a non-communicable disease, has been underexplored in relation to a changing climate. Exposure to solar ultraviolet [...] Read more.
Climate change is associated with shifts in global weather patterns, especially an increase in ambient temperature, and is deemed a formidable threat to human health. Skin cancer, a non-communicable disease, has been underexplored in relation to a changing climate. Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the major environmental risk factor for skin cancer. South Africa is situated in the mid-latitudes and experiences relatively high levels of sun exposure with summertime UV Index values greater than 10. The incidence of skin cancer in the population group with fair skin is considered high, with cost implications relating to diagnosis and treatment. Here, the relationship between skin cancer and several environmental factors likely to be affected by climate change in South Africa are discussed including airborne pollutants, solar UVR, ambient temperature and rainfall. Recommended strategies for personal sun protection, such as shade, clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, may change as human behaviour adapts to a warming climate. Further research and data are required to assess any future impact of climate change on the incidence of skin cancer in South Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa)
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14 pages, 3879 KiB  
Article
Solar UV Radiation in Saint-Denis, La Réunion and Cape Town, South Africa: 10 years Climatology and Human Exposure Assessment at Altitude
by Jean-Maurice Cadet, Hassan Bencherif, David J. du Preez, Thierry Portafaix, Nathalie Sultan-Bichat, Matthias Belus, Colette Brogniez, Frederique Auriol, Jean-Marc Metzger, Katlego Ncongwane, Gerrie J. R. Coetzee and Caradee Y. Wright
Atmosphere 2019, 10(10), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10100589 - 1 Oct 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5340
Abstract
Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) monitoring is important since it depends on several atmospheric parameters which are associated with climate change and since excess solar UVR exposure and has significant impacts on human health and wellbeing. The objective of this study was to investigate [...] Read more.
Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) monitoring is important since it depends on several atmospheric parameters which are associated with climate change and since excess solar UVR exposure and has significant impacts on human health and wellbeing. The objective of this study was to investigate the trends in solar UVR during a decade (2009–2018) in Saint-Denis, Reunion Island (20.9°S, 55.5°E, 85 m ASL) and Cape Town, South Africa (33.97°S, 18.6°E, 42 m ASL). This comparison was done using total daily erythema exposure as derived from UVR sensors continuously at both sites. Climatology over the 10-year period showed extreme UVR exposure for both sites. Slight changes with opposite trends were found, +3.6% at Saint-Denis and −3.7% at Cape Town. However, these two sites often experience extreme weather conditions thereby making the trend evaluation difficult. Human exposure assessment was performed for hiking activities at two popular high-altitude hiking trails on the Maïdo–Grand Bénare (Reunion) and Table Mountain (Cape Town) with a handheld radiometer. Extreme exposure doses of 64 SED and 40 SED (Standard Erythemal Dose, 1 SED = 100 J.m−2) were recorded, respectively. These high exposure doses highlight the importance of raising public awareness on the risk related to excess UVR exposure at tourist sites, especially those at high altitude. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa)
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18 pages, 5063 KiB  
Article
Climatic Factors in Relation to Diarrhoea Hospital Admissions in Rural Limpopo, South Africa
by Takayoshi Ikeda, Thandi Kapwata, Swadhin K. Behera, Noboru Minakawa, Masahiro Hashizume, Neville Sweijd, Angela Mathee and Caradee Yael Wright
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090522 - 5 Sep 2019
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5691
Abstract
Diarrheal disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in children under 5 years of age. Factors related to diarrheal disease incidence include infection, malnutrition, and exposure to contaminated water and food. Climate factors also contribute to diarrheal [...] Read more.
Diarrheal disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in children under 5 years of age. Factors related to diarrheal disease incidence include infection, malnutrition, and exposure to contaminated water and food. Climate factors also contribute to diarrheal disease. We aimed to explore the relationship between temperature, precipitation and diarrhoea case counts of hospital admissions among vulnerable communities living in a rural setting in South Africa. We applied ‘contour analysis’ to visually examine simultaneous observations in frequencies of anomalously high and low diarrhoea case counts occurring in a season, and assigning colours to differences that were statistically significant based on chi-squared test results. Children under 5 years of age were especially vulnerable to diarrhoea during very dry, hot conditions as well as when conditions were wetter than usual. We saw an anomalously higher number of diarrhoea cases during ‘warmer than usual’ conditions in the dry winter season, with average winter temperatures in Limpopo being from about 5 to 10 °C. As for ‘wetter than usual’ conditions, we saw an anomalously higher number of diarrhoea cases during ‘drier than usual’ conditions for the winter and spring. The lagged association seen in cumulative rainfall could not be distinguished in the same way for temperature-related variables (indicating rainfall had a larger impact on higher cases of diarrhoea), nor for the older age group of 5 years and older. Dry conditions were associated with diarrhoea in children under 5 years of age; such conditions may lead to increased water storage, raising the risks of water contamination. Reduced use of water for personal hygiene and cleaning of outdoor pit latrines also affect sanitation quality. Rural communities require adequate and uninterrupted water provision, and healthcare providers should raise awareness about potential diarrhoeal risks, especially during the dry season as well as during wintertime when conditions are warmer than usual. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa)
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Other

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12 pages, 216 KiB  
Protocol
Impact of Extreme Weather Events on Sub-Saharan African Child and Adolescent Mental Health: A Protocol for a Systematic Review
by Hanna-Andrea Rother, Ruth A. Etzel, Mary Shelton, Jerome A. Paulson, R. Anna Hayward and Linda C. Theron
Atmosphere 2020, 11(5), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11050493 - 12 May 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6195
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as being the most vulnerable region to climate change impacts. A major concern is the increase in extreme weather events (EWE) such as storms, floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and [...] Read more.
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as being the most vulnerable region to climate change impacts. A major concern is the increase in extreme weather events (EWE) such as storms, floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and landslides in SSA and their potential to affect the health and well-being of children and adolescents. The objective of this systematic review is to examine the direct and indirect impacts of EWE on the mental health of children and adolescents living in SSA, in order to inform protective adaptation strategies and promote resilience. A meta-analysis will not be possible, since the assumption is that limited studies have been published on the EWE-associated mental health impacts on children and adolescents living in SSA and that those studies that are available are heterogenous. There is acknowledgement in the global literature of the need to highlight child and adolescent mental health more prominently in climate change health strategies and policies. It is vital that adaptation strategies are informed by research on risk prevention and promotion of resilience to ensure the mental health of children and adolescents is protected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa)
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