Takeaway
Extreme heat often dominates the climate change conversation, however the dangers of extreme cold may be more perilous. Support patients, particularly those who are unhoused or with housing insecurity, by making sure they know about local warming shelters and advising them to limit exposure to the elements.
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence | February 6, 2025 | 2 min read
By Ursula Gately, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Before starting medical school at Johns Hopkins, I volunteered with a hypothermia outreach team. Our goal was to help prevent serious injury and death from extreme cold exposure and encourage individuals experiencing homelessness to seek safety in available shelters and warming or cooling stations. We walked through neighborhoods, armed with blankets, socks, and hats, just in case we came across someone who might need them.
As a medical student with a background in planetary health, I often find myself reflecting on the intricate ways our changing climate impacts human health. While much of the focus in recent years has been on heat waves and natural disasters, an equally devastating effect of climate change is cold weather deaths and hypothermia.
While polar vortexes are regular features of the atmosphere, when their normal patterns are disrupted, they can cause events that bring extreme cold across parts of Asia and North America. A study in “Science” found that climate change is increasing these Arctic polar vortex events. We’ve seen a shift in recent years from the use of the term “global warming” to “climate change,” which is an acknowledgment of the broader range of impacts, including changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and extreme weather events.
A study conducted at the University of Illinois Chicago looked at hot/cold-related injuries requiring inpatient or outpatient hospital visits in Illinois from 2011 to 2018 and found that hypothermia was responsible for 94% of all temperature-related deaths. Whether this was related to extreme temperatures outright or poor cold adaptation was not discussed, but regardless, it stands as an example of the risks patients face when it comes to cold temperatures.
At a clinical level, preventive care is key. Even taking one minute to discuss risk factors related to cold with patients and/or show them a map of community warming centers could save a life. ClimateRX is an excellent resource to learn more and also provides a QR code that patients can scan to learn more about the connection between climate and health, as well as preventative steps to safeguard their health.
On a broader scale, advocacy for policies that address greenhouse gas emissions and energy poverty is imperative. The intersection of climate change and health challenges requires that we think beyond traditional boundaries. Addressing the root causes of climate-related health disparities will allow us to work towards a livable future. As a medical student, I recognize that we have both the privilege and responsibility to advocate for change, ensuring that no one is left behind in the face of the climate crisis.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.