Physical Health Impacts

In Ireland changes in temperature and weather patterns alongside extreme weather events have already shown negative impacts on societal physical health. The Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Health Sector (2019–2024) identifies six main climate impacts that have the most profound health implications for Irish society. These include:

1. UV radiation from sun exposure 

Increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) due to higher levels of ambient UVR will affect many Irish people. Most Irish people will be vulnerable to UVR and are at a higher risk of skin cancer due to having fairer skin. Skin cancer is already the most common form of cancer in Ireland (with 11,000 cases of skin cancer diagnoses annually) and cases have doubled in the last ten years with projections for cases to double again before 2045. 

 2. Air pollution and four scenarios concern acute weather events

Climate change is expected to further exacerbate existing health risks through weather-driven increases in air pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter (PM). In Ireland, the number of premature deaths attributable to air pollution is estimated at 1,200 people annually and is mainly due to cardiovascular disease. Climate change is also making pollen more potent and extending the pollen season which can be detrimental to asthma sufferers.

3. Windstorms

In 2017, three deaths were recorded that were directly attributable to Storm Ophelia. Disruptions to road infrastructure and power as well as widespread disruption to outpatient services in the health service were also observed.

4. Extreme heat and heat waves

Extreme heat and heat waves are projected to increase in frequency which can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and can also aggravate pre-existing health conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological disorders. Increases in the national elderly population along with a projected rise in people living with chronic illnesses will be amplified under the impact of more frequent extreme heat. This will have a direct pressure on health care services. 294 deaths were attributed to heat waves in Ireland over the last thirty years. However, increases in national temperatures are expected to reduce levels of cold related mortality, in particular respiratory and cardiovascular deaths as well as in the elderly.

5. High precipitation and flooding 

Increased annual national rainfall with projected sea levels rise can result in direct mortality in flooding events through drowning or injury. It is estimated that over 1,000 people throughout Europe have lost their lives in the past decade through drowning, heart attacks, hypothermia and trauma during flooding events. Indirect health impact risk from the aftermath of such events can also occur such as injuries during the clean up phase etc. 

6. Cold snaps

Significant health impacts and risks will continue from cold snaps and more frequent heavy precipitation events during winter regardless of projections that show an increase in temperature and generally warmer winters. People living in energy poverty as well as the elderly population are at the highest risk of being hospitalised from extreme winter weather with changes in weather leading to incidents of death, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, hypothermia and respiratory difficulties.