The aim of the present study is to help evaluate people’s understanding on global warming and its associated health implications which will aid in informing policies towards increasing public awareness and adaptation strategies for the global warming phenomenon.

Global warming is undoubtedly a major problem with worldwide attention and focus. Its occurrence is a result of the elevation in average global temperatures facilitated by the greenhouse effect. Studies have shown that the earth has become warmer in the past three decades as compared to any decade before 1850. Unlike years before the 20th century when global warming was significantly under control, managing this phenomenon has become an extremely difficult task to carry out in this 21st century as a result of the rise in human-orchestrated industrial and powerhouse emissions. The relatively higher level of global warming in recent times poses higher health risks to humans, both directly and indirectly. Global warming is linked to heat stress which can cause kidney stones, heat strokes, heat cramps, heat syncope, and heat exhaustion in humans. Also, global warming is associated with respiratory diseases such as asthma. Additionally, it can result in drought, crop failure, and an increase in vector and water-borne diseases which indirectly affect the health of humans, thus increasing chances of high mortality among humans.

In public health practices, it is critical for people to be knowledgeable about dangers and risks to their health and wellbeing. Thus, people need to understand the health risks associated with global warming, so they can embark on relevant procedures to protect themselves and also actively participate in national mitigation agenda or activities. This will go a long way to sustain their health and physical wellbeing. It is not accurate or substantive enough to assume the public are well informed about global warming, just because of its policies and worldwide publicity. Sufficient evidence exists to attest to this. For example, Miabach et al. found that although there is substantial general awareness among many fragments of the US population concerning global warming, only few Americans understood the various harms it causes. Similarly, adolescents in a study conducted in Indonesia demonstrated low knowledge concerning climate change and its health consequences among humans.

(Adapted from https://www.hindawi.com)