UN: (7/4/2008): In 2008, World Health Day focuses on the need to protect health from the adverse effects of climate change. WHO selected this theme in recognition that climate change is posing ever growing threats to global public health security.
Displaced people from Sudan’s Darfur collect water in the Gassire camp in Eastern Chad. Lower precipitation due to climate change causes water scarcity and reduced food production, increasing the risk of displacement and conflict, as in Darfur.
Ecologists believe that recent years have shown that shifts in rainfall can bring down governments and even set off wars. The African Sahel, just south of the Sahara, provides a dramatic and poignant demonstration.
The deadly carnage in Darfur, Sudan, for example, which is almost always discussed in political and military terms, has roots in an ecological crisis directly arising from climate shocks. Darfur is an arid zone with overlapping, growing populations of impoverished pastoralists (tending goats, cattle and camels) and sedentary farmers. Both groups depend on rainfall for their livelihoods and lives. The average rainfall has probably declined in the past few decades but is in any case highly variable, leaving Darfur prone to drought.
When the rains faltered in the 1980s, violence ensued. Communities fought to survive by raiding others and attempting to seize or protect scarce water and food supplies.
QATAR MARKS WORLD HEALTH DAY
Aspire Active, in partnership with the National Health Authority (NHA), Hamad Medical Corporation and Qatar Diabetes Association marked the World Health Day with a variety of activities held at the Aspire Dome yesterday.
"Protecting health from climate change" was chosen as the theme for this year’s event. Local health care providers and practitioners were present to offer participants advice on health issues including general fitness, prevention of osteoporosis, healthy eating, prevention of diabetes, kidney health and first aid for various situations.
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Climate change will erode foundations of health
World Health Day 2008
Topical overview: climate change
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