Journal of Health and Climate Change

A Brief Review of Environmental Factors Influencing Adult's Eating Behaviors

2025-01-09T05:07:57+00:00

Eating behaviors in adults are influenced by a complex interplay of environmental factors. This review explores physical, social, economic, and cultural environments that shape dietary choices and habits. Addressing these factors is critical for developing effective public health strategies to promote healthier eating patterns and combat diet-related diseases. To provide an overview of the environmental factors—physical, social, economic, and cultural—that shape eating behaviors in adults, highlighting key studies and interventions that have sought to influence dietary habits through environmental changes. Current study synthesizes findings from human trials and studies that explore the relationship between environmental influences and eating behavior. Access to healthy foods, such as supermarkets and fresh produce outlets, is strongly associated with healthier eating patterns. Interventions such as portion size reduction and menu labeling in cafeterias have led to reduced calorie intake and healthier food choices. Studies have shown that adults are more likely to choose unhealthy foods when dining with friends or in social settings. Additionally, social norms favoring healthy eating can lead to better food choices. Economic factors, including food prices and marketing, significantly affect dietary decisions. Cultural norms and globalization have led to dietary transitions, particularly in developing countries. Traditional diets are often replaced by processed and westernized food patterns, which have been associated with higher rates of obesity and metabolic diseases. Policymakers and public health officials should incorporate environmental considerations into dietary recommendations and health interventions. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of such environmental interventions across diverse populations.

Influence of Climate Change on Soil Nutrient Cycling: Consequences for Ecosystem Sustainability and Agricultural Production

2025-02-12T05:15:36+00:00

Climate change impacts soil nutrient cycle, major process for maintaining ecosystem health and yield. Rising temperature amplify microbial activities, increase the decomposition of organic matter and change the availability of nutrients. These changes disrupt the basic cycle, like carbon and nitrogen and harm the soil functioning. Variations in moisture, droughts, extreme rainfall events intensify the soil erosion, nutrient leaching and soil compaction. These changes further damage the soil fertility, poses risk to food safety and ecosystem facilities. To lessen these harmful effects, practices like minimum tillage, improved water management and addition of organic amendments can help under climate change.

Shifting Smog Patterns in the Indo-Pak Region: Impressions of Climate Change

2025-02-12T05:28:13+00:00

Climate change is intensifying smog, turning into seasonal hazard in India and Pakistan. Vehicle emissions, urban heat islands, crop residues burning and industrial discharges plays major role in this mixture, which mostly consists of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, nitrogen oxides and ground level ozone by raising temperature, changing wind patterns, prolonging dry spells. Rising temperature alters the wind patterns while prolonged dry spells caused by climate change can accelerate smog formation by accelerating chemical reactions and pollutant retention. The result of this phenomenon is worse with huge impact on human health, economy and agriculture. Cardiovascular, respiratory and mental health issues are prevalent on the other hand reduced agricultural production results in financial loss. Addressing these crises requires comprehensive approach, including sustainable agriculture, afforestation, use of cleaner energy sources, and international collaboraitons. Along with this, improving air quality monitoring system, raising public awareness, implementation of effective policies are component of solution. A mutual response of Indo-Pak is essential to mitigate effects of climate change and smog, ensuring better air quality and sustainability in region.

Effect of Climate Change on Agricultural Food Commodities- A Review

2025-01-09T07:56:37+00:00

Climate change is posing increasing threats to ecosystems and biodiversity, although direct human actions such as habitat loss and overharvesting have had a larger impact so far. Climate change has led to significant decreases in crop yields in western and southern Europe, ranging from 6.3% to 21.2% for dominant crops. This review article examines the impacts of global climate change on food commodities, focusing on how changing climate patterns affect agricultural production and food availability. The article explores the key drivers of climate change, including rising temperatures, altered precipitation, and extreme weather events, and their direct influence on staple crops, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture. It discusses the consequences of climate change on food systems, such as crop failures, reduced yields, and diminished quality, as well as the indirect effects on pests, diseases, soil fertility, water availability, and food distribution networks. The article emphasizes the need for urgent adaptation and mitigation strategies, sustainable agricultural practices, technological innovations, and international collaborations to address the challenges posed by climate change on global food security.

A perspective of health care Workers regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health in disasters

2025-02-26T04:58:43+00:00

Background: Disasters disrupt daily life, causing widespread destruction and challenges, including significant impacts on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Healthcare workers play a critical role in disaster management, yet their preparedness in addressing SRH needs remains an area of concern.

Methodology: This study assessed healthcare workers' perceptions of SRH-related hazards in disaster settings. A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 177 Master of Public Health (MPH) postgraduate students from Rawalpindi and Islamabad’s postgraduate medical institutes. Data collection took place over three months, from December 2021 to March 2022. Preparedness was measured using a modified questionnaire adapted from the Minimal Initial Service Package (MISP) framework.

Results: Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that 52.5% of participants were male and 47.5% female. Awareness of MISP services was limited, with 9.6% unfamiliar with its general provisions, 32.8% reporting unavailability of services, and only 57.6% having access to necessary resources. Additionally, 55.4% of participants were aware of post-exposure prophylaxis for survivors of sexual violence and individuals diagnosed with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Conclusion: The findings highlight a significant gap in SRH awareness and preparedness among healthcare workers. There is an urgent need to enhance training and capacity-building efforts, particularly in SRH, to ensure healthcare providers are adequately equipped to address these needs in disaster settings.

COP29 and Pakistan’s Path to SDGs: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward

2025-03-24T05:12:59+00:00

The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, marked a significant milestone in global climate action. The conference, dubbed the "Finance COP," focused on enhancing financial commitments to support developing nations in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Key outcomes included the establishment of a new climate finance goal, operationalization of carbon markets, and the launch of a loss and damage fund. For Pakistan, COP29's outcomes have significant implications. The country can benefit from the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, which pledged $800 million to aid adaptation efforts in vulnerable regions. Pakistan must also strengthen its climate finance proposals and ensure transparency in fund utilization to attract international climate finance. Additionally, the country can benefit from carbon trading mechanisms and accelerate its transition to renewable energy sources.