Climate Change and Non-Communicable Diseases: A Growing Crisis in Nepal
Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s a reality reshaping lives across the globe. While its effects on weather patterns, ecosystems, and economies are widely discussed, a quieter but equally alarming impact is emerging: its role in worsening non-communicable diseases (NCDs). For a developing country like Nepal, nestled between the towering Himalayas and the pressures of rapid environmental shifts, this connection is becoming impossible to ignore. From rising temperatures to extreme weather events, climate change is amplifying health challenges in ways that demand urgent attention. Let’s explore how this unfolds, backed by the latest research and news, and what it means for a nation like Nepal. The Climate-NCD Connection: What’s Happening? Non-communicable diseases—think heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and cancer—aren’t spread by viruses or bacteria. They’re chronic conditions often tied to lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors. But here’s wher...