Climate change and health vulnerabilities: the case of 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

This article analyzes the impacts of climate change on health based on data on climate disasters that occurred in southern Brazil, particularly the 2024 floods in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The research highlights the interrelationship between climate change and its effects on public health, including the increase in vector-borne, water-borne, and food-borne diseases, acute physical injuries, and the worsening of chronic conditions and mental health disorders. The analysis presented in this article is fundamental for advancing the development of public policies and formulating strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.