OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS RELATED TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN EGYPT (REVIEW ARTICLE)

Climate change refers to noticeable, long-term shifts in the Earth’s climate, caused by both natural factors and human activities. The general climate of Egypt is dry, hot, and deserted. Temperatures in Egypt have increased and stronger warming was observed over the past 30 years. Climate change has caused unusual environmental conditions likerising sea levels, stronger tropical storms, floods, heat waves, wildfires, droughts, coral reef bleaching, and even extreme winter storms. Climate change affects workers’ health through exposure to excessive heat, ultraviolet radiation, contact with pathogens, air pollution and extreme weather. Egypt will probably get hotter and drier, and precipitation is likely to decrease. The Nile Delta is highly vulnerable to sea level rise. Additionally, elevated levels of air and water pollution in Egypt significantly contribute to premature mortality and increased morbidity rates. Workers, who work in high temperatures and under direct sunlight, lacking protective occupational safety standards, are exposed to heat stress and heat-related diseases. Livestock and crops are expected to experience increased heat stress under rising temperatures, leading to declines in crop yields as well as reduced milk and meat production, thereby compromising key food sources.Furthermore, global warming is projected to alter the distribution and seasonality of vector-borne diseases by enabling vectors to persist in regions and during periods that are currently unsuitable due to low temperatures. Effective climate governance is built upon the dual strategies of mitigation, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and adaptation, which focuses on adjusting systems to minimize the impacts of climate change. The electricity generated from renewable sources is predicted to significantly decrease emissions. Adaptation strategies include protection of coastal line from sealevel rise and finding solutions for water scarcity and food security issues.