Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal
The land provides vital resources to support life on Earth. Land ecosystems services have social, cultural, and spiritual benefits and promote human health and well-being. However, human activities, particularly ongoing unsustainable land practices, are negatively impacting ecosystems through desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD). This article highlights the pressures and impacts of DLDD on human health through exposure pathways, including water security and safety; sanitation and hygiene; food security and safety; air quality; and soil quality. We describe the impacts on 19 health outcomes in three groups: non-communicable diseases; injuries; and infections, parasitic and nutritional diseases. The magnitude of these health impacts is mediated by social, economic, and health system-related factors. We propose actions for the health sector to respond to the DLDD challenges.
Resource Description
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General Exposure, Ecosystem Change, Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster
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General Geographic Feature
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Global or Unspecified Location
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General Health Impact
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Review Article
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Sociodemographic Vulnerability, Vulnerable Population
- Sociodemographic Vulnerability, Vulnerable Population: General Vulnerable Populations