A、Drought may increase the risk of infectious diseases. B、Flood may increase the risk of poor nutrition among children. C、High t

Good morning, I’m Pete Musto. Our topic today is on climate change and public health. Recent research findings reveal that the effects of climate change could threaten the past 50 years of gains in public health. Researchers say that the changes in Earth’s climate have led to weather extremes. The extremes can create public health risks that are dangerous and unacceptable. Researchers find that the changes have led to less rainfall, and this has been linked to a drop in agricultural productivity. The reduced productivity has led, in turn, to an increase in malnutrition, especially among children. Studies have also linked climate change to an increased possibility of flooding in some areas. Researchers find that floods are linked to a rise in the rates of infectious diseases and problems that result from a breakdown of waste treatment systems. Researchers also note that the world is getting hotter. In 2003, 70,000 people in Europe died because of higher than normal temperatures.
    The World Health Organization has warned that serious action is required to reduce global warming emissions. If the reduction does not happen, the WHO says, there will be serious results. By 2030, almost 250,000 people will die every year from the effects of global warming. Studies have described growing evidence of the effects of actions to slow climate change. Such actions are good for global health. Out-door air pollution is linked to almost three million deaths worldwide. About 1.2 million of those deaths are in China alone. Researchers say a move from coal-fueled power plants to renewable energy, such as sunlight and wind power, can greatly reduce that danger. Researchers also say that moving to renewable energy will lead to fewer people being treated in hospitals and a drop in health care costs. Suggesting that people use active forms of transportation like bicycles may help reduce diabetes and obesity.
    Several ways are suggested to deal with climate change. They include closing coal power plants, increasing the use of renewable energy, investing in health systems and agreeing to support a global climate treaty which is expected to be signed when world leaders are to meet in Paris.
    23. What do we learn about the effects of climate change on public health?
    24. What caused the death of 1.2 million people in China?
    25. What is the suggested action to deal with climate change?