Lessons from Climate Reports for the Malaysian Medical Community

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Lessons from Climate Reports for the Malaysian Medical Community”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Disease:
Disease refers to any condition that negatively affects the health and functioning of an individual. In the context of climate change, diseases can spread more widely or become more severe due to environmental changes, extreme weather events, and increased vulnerability of populations, particularly among children and marginalized groups.

2) Greenhouse gas:
Greenhouse gases are substances in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Their increase, mainly from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, leads to global warming and climate change, exacerbating issues like health risks, extreme weather, and ecological disruptions, particularly in vulnerable regions like Southeast Asia.

3) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world, providing evidence-based understanding of complex phenomena. Climate science, through research like the IPCC reports, informs us about the mechanisms and impacts of climate change. It helps identify risks and potential solutions, supporting informed decision-making at national and global levels.

4) Food:
Food security is crucial for health and well-being. Climate change threatens food production through increased droughts and floods, impacting crop yields and prices. This is particularly alarming for vulnerable populations in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, where agricultural dependence means that climate disturbances can lead to food shortages and malnutrition.

5) Mental disorder:
Mental disorders refer to a range of psychological conditions that can be aggravated by climate change. Stressors such as natural disasters, loss of livelihoods, and uncertainty about the future can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, particularly among children who are more vulnerable to environmental stressors.

6) Agriculture:
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating soil and rearing animals for food production. As a primary source of livelihood for many in Malaysia, climate change impacts, such as altered rainfall and temperature patterns, jeopardize agricultural viability. This could reduce food supplies and increase poverty, making climate resilience crucial for farmers.

7) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses information and understanding gained through experience or education. In the context of climate change, increasing knowledge about its impacts, especially on health and ecosystems, is vital. Medical institutions and researchers can guide policies and interventions, filling critical gaps in addressing the climate-health nexus effectively.

8) Training:
Training involves the process of enhancing skills and knowledge in specific areas. For medical professionals, training on the health impacts of climate change is essential for effective practice. It prepares them to recognize and address climate-related health issues, advocating for better health strategies and ensuring comprehensive care for affected populations.

9) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worrying refers to feelings of concern or anxiety about a potential threat. The current and projected impacts of climate change on health, ecosystems, and vulnerable populations are indeed worrying. This sense of urgency underscores the need for immediate action from the medical community and policymakers to address these challenges proactively.

10) Habitat:
Habitat denotes the natural environment where living organisms, including plants and animals, thrive. Climate change alters habitats through rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increasing natural disasters. These changes threaten biodiversity, lead to species extinction, and disrupt overall ecosystem balance, adversely impacting human health and well-being.

11) Dealing:
Dealing refers to the process of managing or coping with situations or challenges. Addressing the myriad impacts of climate change requires comprehensive strategies across sectors—health, agriculture, and urban planning—ensuring communities are well-prepared to handle extreme weather, ecological shifts, and associated health risks effectively and adaptively.

12) Surface:
Surface can refer to the outermost layer of an object or, in climate discussions, the Earth’s surface temperature. Changes in surface temperatures are crucial indicators of global warming. Rising surface temperature leads to climatic alterations, affecting ecosystems, health, agriculture, and water supply, necessitating urgent action to mitigate these effects.

13) Animal:
Animals play an integral role in ecosystems and human livelihoods. Climate change threatens their habitats and survival, impacting biodiversity and ecological balance. These changes also have direct repercussions for food systems, as many communities depend on livestock and wildlife for nutrition, economic stability, and cultural practices, especially in rural areas.

14) Water:
Water is essential for life and human health. Climate change threatens water availability through altered precipitation patterns, droughts, and flooding. Insufficient access to clean water can lead to health crises, including water-borne diseases and food insecurity. Addressing water issues is critical for ensuring community resilience amidst climate impacts.

15) Fever:
Fever is a rise in body temperature often indicating an underlying illness or infection. Climate change can exacerbate the spread of diseases that cause fevers, such as malaria and dengue. Increased temperatures and extreme weather conditions create conducive environments for vectors, thus raising health risks in affected populations.

16) Death:
Death refers to the cessation of life, which can be exacerbated by climate change through increased exposure to disasters, heatwaves, and disease. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are at higher risk. Understanding these risks is essential for implementing effective health and protective measures to save lives.

17) Study (Studying):
Study involves systematic investigation to understand a particular phenomenon or issue. In the context of climate change, numerous studies reveal the severity of its impacts on ecosystems and health. They provide evidence essential for developing strategies and policies aimed at mitigation and adaptation, especially pertaining to vulnerable groups like children.

18) Coral:
Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems that support diverse marine life. Climate change adversely affects coral health, leading to bleaching and habitat loss. Protecting coral reefs is crucial, as their decline impacts not only marine biodiversity but also coastal protection and livelihoods for communities dependent on fisheries and tourism.

19) Rice (Rce):
Rice is a staple food for millions, including in Malaysia. Climate change threatens rice production through increased flooding, droughts, and altered growing conditions. Such threats could lead to food insecurity, rising prices, and increased malnutrition, highlighting the urgent need for climate-adaptive agricultural practices to secure rice production.

20) Pose:
Pose refers to presenting a challenge or risk. Climate change poses significant risks to public health, ecosystems, and food security. The health community needs to recognize these challenges and develop strategies to mitigate impacts, safeguard vulnerable populations, and foster resilience against the adverse effects posed by a changing climate.

21) Post:
Post, in this context, can refer to communication made after an event or situation. The importance of post-disaster communication and response is profound during climate-related catastrophes, as timely information sharing can aid recovery efforts. This emphasizes the need for clear protocols and systems to support affected individuals and communities.

22) Pur:
Poor refers to individuals or groups with limited economic resources, facing hardships in accessing basic needs like food, health care, and education. Climate change disproportionately affects the poor, who are often more vulnerable to its impacts. Addressing climate resilience and supporting marginalized communities is essential for fostering equity and well-being.