The impact of climate change and human health, where does health technology fit in?

Climate change is a critical global issue which is having profound effects on our planet. However, there are also far-reaching effects on human health. From air pollution to heatwaves, climate change has significant impacts on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Climate change and pollution has been viewed as “the greatest threat to global health of the 21st century”, threatening to undo 50 years of public health gains.

As our understanding of the links between health and climate change and pollution grows, we recognise the burden this is placing on our global health services, within the walls of our hospitals, our A&E departments and consulting rooms. Climate-change-induced weather events bring patients experiencing heatstroke and other temperature related illnesses. Heat-related mortality in the over 65s has increased 53.7% in the last 20 years. Our mental health services deal with the fallout from significant climate-induced catastrophes. Spikes in Emergency Department demand coincides with days when pollution levels are high.

The health effects of burning fossil fuels are widespread and significant. Our outpatient clinics are filled with rising cases of respiratory diseases, lung cancer, heart disease, linked to breathing toxic air. Polluton has also been linked to diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, infertility, birth defects and cot deaths and Alzheimer’s disease. The Royal College of Physicians estimates that air pollution from fossil fuels and other toxic emissions is causing up to 40,000 deaths each year and causing ill health in many many more. Drastically cutting carbon emissions has never been more important to protect the health of our population.

In recent years, we’ve seen many examples of the use of technologies to address the impact of climate change on health. One significant area of focus is the use of sensors to monitor and analyse environmental data. Air quality sensors such as the Clean Space pollution sensor detects pollutants and harmful particles in the air, providing real-time measurement of air quality and air pollution levels directly to users' smartphones. This information empowers individuals to make informed decisions to reduce exposure and protect their health, which will reduce the risk of developing and exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and the many other health problems associated with poor air quality. Wearable environmental trackers are also gaining popularity, providing users with real-time feedback on their exposure to environmental factors such as UV radiation, and heat levels.

The degradation of water quality and pollution across the world poses significant threats to public health. As 80% of the world’s population is at risk of water insecurity, the continuous monitoring and analysis of water composition is increasingly critical to help mitigate the dangers of water pollution and ensure its safety for consumption. Biosensors are being used to identify toxins and detect pharmaceuticals and hard to detect bioactive organic compounds monitoring community drinking water, check water quality in water treatment discharge, and ensure safe water usage. One example is a low-cost biosensor technology developed by MIT, which uses bacteria specifically engineered to detect multiple pollutants simultaneously. The technology does not require sophisticated lab equipment or specialized training and therefore brings the potential to revolutionize water quality monitoring and improve our ability to detect and address water pollution.

Digital health technologies are being used to promote climate-friendly behaviours and sustainable living which often go hand in hand with healthy lifestyle and health improvement. For instance, mobile apps such as, Earth Hero, help individuals track their carbon footprint and suggest ways to reduce their impact on the environment, for example encouraging them to leave their cars at home and walk or bike to their destinations, reducing transportation associated carbon emissions. Digital technologies that help individuals manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, encouraging healthy lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity and a plant-based diet, will also benefit the planet and will reduce an individual's carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable as well as healthy lifestyle.

However, digital health is not without its carbon footprint. The increasing reliance on digital technologies and the widespread use of electronic devices and associated infrastructure contribute to greenhouse gas emissions while the production and disposal of electronic devices contributes to environmental pollution.

Data centres and electronic devices consume considerable amounts of energy, currently 1% of global emissions. However the expansion of AI and in particular the explosion of generative AI such as Chat GPT, will require considerably more computing power and is predicted to put a strain on data centres and existing infrastructure. Steps must be taken to reduce the energy cost and environmental impact, such as moving data centres to cleaner energy sources and redesigning neural networks to be more efficient. While companies like Microsoft and Google have both committed to reducing their net contribution to global heating, integrating AI into search engines could still have a significant environmental footprint.

The changes in our climate and the impact of pollution are impacting our human health and placing addition strain on our health services. Technologies are being used to address these impacts, monitoring environmental data to promoting sustainable behaviours, helping individuals and healthcare systems take a proactive approach to protect their health and the environment. However, it is crucial to address the carbon footprint of digital health technologies and strive to make them more sustainable, to mitigate their impact on the environment. As we continue to explore the link between digital health and climate change, it is essential to prioritise both human health and the health of the planet.