A recent study in The Journal of Climate Change and Health highlights the potential for space-based observational data to aid health professionals in addressing climate-related health risks. The research, led by Dr. Farhan M. Asrar, a Canadian physician, explores how space technologies—such as Aura, DMSat-1, GOSAT, Landsat, MetOP, SciSat-1/ACE, and the Sentinel series—provide valuable data about Earth’s atmosphere, land, and aquatic ecosystems.
These technologies monitor critical aspects like greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone), aquatic ecosystems (chlorophyll and sea salinity), and terrestrial changes (vegetation). The study suggests that health professionals can use this space-based data to gain insights into global health risks and develop tailored health recommendations for populations at higher risk from climate change.
Dr. Asrar, speaking to Dawn.com, explained that climate change impacts are increasingly affecting global health, including rising infectious diseases, worsening air pollution, and more frequent natural disasters. The paper also delves into how satellite data collected for climate change monitoring can help health professionals understand the complex connections between natural and human-induced changes, which impact both the environment and public health.
The research underscores the importance of the “One Health” concept, which emphasizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. Dr. Asrar elaborated on how multiple disciplines must collaborate to optimize health outcomes and address climate change’s challenges. He stressed the need for global unity and cooperation, urging healthcare professionals, organizations, and nations to collectively work toward climate action.
