Global climate change as a form of disaster and its possible effects on public health

Global climate change, which is a form of disaster, creates multidimensional and devastating effects on environmental, economic and social systems. These effects have direct and indirect consequences, especially on public health, and are becoming an important public health problem. This study examines the possible effects of global climate change on public health within a theoretical framework and emphasizes that climate change should be considered as a deepening health crisis, beyond being an environmental problem. Increasing heat waves, long-term droughts, extreme weather events (floods, storms, forest fires, etc.) and ecosystem disruptions due to climate change bring various health threats such as respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies and mental health problems. It is observed that these risks are more pronounced especially on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and individuals with chronic diseases. The study emphasizes that in the fight against climate change, the resilience of health systems should be increased, early warning mechanisms should be developed, public awareness should be raised and climate policies integrated with public health should be established. As a result, the fact that climate change is not only an environmental crisis but also a form of disaster that directly threatens public health is highlighted.