[Climate change and its impact on human health]

Climate change is already impacting our environment and health, with rising sea levels, extreme weather, and higher temperatures. Greenhouse gas levels are at their highest in three million years, making climate-related health risks increasingly urgent. Heatwaves, wildfires, and floods lead to mortality, trauma, and non-communicable diseases both in the short and long term. Climate change also alters the spread of infectious diseases in Sweden, increasing cases of Vibrio bacteria infections in brackish water and expanding the range of disease-carrying vectors like ticks and mosquitoes. Vulnerable populations, such as outdoor workers, children, elderly, and people with chronic illnesses, face higher risks. Addressing these challenges requires multidisciplinary research, proactive policy measures, and healthcare system adaptation. Additionally, the healthcare sector must reduce its own carbon footprint to mitigate climate change impacts.