Climate Change and the Health of Nations: Famines, Fevers, and the Fate of Populations

Climate change has occurred throughout human history, and populations have had to adapt. Anthony McMichael's book, Climate Change and the Health of Nations, shows how the natural environment has vast direct and indirect repercussions for human health and welfare. He explains how human biology has evolved in response to cooling temperatures, new food sources, and changing geography, and how agricultural civilization was a Faustian bargain. Global warming is disrupting this balance, and the story of mankind's survival in the face of an unpredictable and unstable climate is important as we face the realities of a warming planet.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Climate change is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been the subject of much debate and discussion in recent years. While the majority of people associate climate change with human-made global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to recognize that natural climate change has occurred throughout human history and that populations have had to adapt to the climate's vicissitudes. One of the leading experts in the field of how human health relates to climate change is Anthony McMichael, a renowned epidemiologist and pioneer in the field. In his book "Climate Change and the Health of Nations," McMichael explores the vast direct and indirect repercussions of climate change on human health and welfare.

McMichael begins his book by tracing the evolution of human biology in response to cooling temperatures, new food sources, and changing geography. From the very beginning of our species, some five million years ago, human biology has evolved to adapt to these changing conditions. As societies began to form, they too adapted in relation to their environments, most notably with the development of agriculture eleven thousand years ago. Agricultural civilization was a Faustian bargain, however, as the prosperity and comfort that an agrarian society provides relies on the assumption that the environment will largely remain stable. Indeed, for agriculture to succeed, environmental conditions must be just right, which McMichael refers to as the Goldilocks phenomenon.

Global warming is disrupting this delicate balance, just as other climate-related upheavals have tested human societies throughout history. McMichael shows that the break-up of the Roman Empire, the bubonic Plague of Justinian, and the mysterious collapse of Mayan civilization all have roots in climate change. These historical events serve as a reminder that climate change is not just a modern problem, but one that has affected human societies throughout history.

Despite the daunting future of climate change, McMichael believes that studying the past is important for understanding how to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. He argues that by understanding the challenges that human societies have faced in the past, we can develop strategies and solutions that will help us to survive and thrive in the face of an unpredictable and uncertain future.

One of the key insights that McMichael offers in his book is that climate change is not just a physical phenomenon, but also a social and economic one. He argues that climate change can exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities, leading to increased poverty, food insecurity, and health disparities. For example, communities that are already vulnerable to environmental stressors, such as coastal communities or communities that rely on agriculture, may be particularly affected by climate change.

McMichael also emphasizes the importance of taking action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. He suggests that governments, businesses, and individuals should work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable practices, and invest in climate adaptation and resilience. He also calls for a greater focus on public health and the health of vulnerable populations, as climate change can have significant impacts on human health.

In conclusion, "Climate Change and the Health of Nations" is a thought-provoking and important book that provides a comprehensive understanding of the direct and indirect repercussions of climate change on human health and welfare. McMichael's expertise in the field and his ability to weave together historical and scientific evidence make this book a valuable resource for policymakers, scientists, and individuals interested in understanding and addressing the challenges of climate change. By studying the past and developing strategies for the future, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient world.

Weight: 628g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190931841