Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Essay 3: Paragraph 3 - How global climate change affects human health

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is co-writing, producing, as well as narrating a documentary film about global warming, and says "Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity."  Global warming, or global climate change, puts human health at risk.  Global climate change causes an increase in temperature, which makes it easier for bacteria to survive in food and water.  Several diseases, such as E. coli, typhoid, and polio can be transmitted when food or water is contaminated by bacteria.  Approximately five thousand people die in the United States each year because of food and water borne diseases.  The IPCC, a scientific association that examines research related to climate change, claims that “higher temperatures are associated with higher concentrations of air pollutants and reduced air quality.”  It is believed that as temperatures ascend, people will use air-conditioning more often, which means power plants will produce more air pollution because of the high amount of energy required. Lastly, global climate changes causes plants to bloom earlier, causing more pollen allergens to be present in the air.  More people will be affected by allergies as a result of global climate change.

1 comment: