1. Recent news coverage has increasingly highlighted the serious health consequences of climate change. An article published by Health Policy Watch in 2025, titled “Climate Change Is Here, and It’s Killing Millions,” reports that climate change is already causing widespread harm to human health across the globe. The article explains that extreme heat, air pollution, climate-related disasters, and the spread of infectious diseases are contributing to rising illness and mortality rates worldwide. According to the report, vulnerable populations—such as elderly people, children, and those living in low-income regions—are experiencing the most severe impacts. The article emphasizes that climate change is no longer a future threat but a present and ongoing global health crisis.

The news article also highlights the role of climate change in increasing the risk of infectious diseases. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns create favorable conditions for disease vectors such as mosquitoes, leading to the spread of illnesses like dengue fever, malaria, and other vector-borne diseases. In addition, floods and extreme weather events damage sanitation systems and clean water supplies, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases. The article draws attention to the growing pressure placed on health systems as they struggle to respond to climate-related emergencies while also managing infectious disease outbreaks. By presenting expert opinions and global data, the article connects environmental change directly to public health outcomes. From a personal perspective, this article is significant because it frames climate change as a health issue rather than only an environmental or scientific problem. By focusing on human lives and health impacts, the article makes the consequences of climate change more immediate and relatable. It effectively raises awareness that climate-related diseases and deaths are not limited to distant regions but are becoming a global concern. The article also encourages readers to think about climate action as a form of disease prevention and public health protection. Overall, this news piece is meaningful because it clearly shows that addressing climate change is essential not only for protecting the planet but also for safeguarding human health now and in the future.

Reference Health Policy Watch. (2025). Climate change is here, and it’s killing millions. https://healthpolicy-watch.news/climate-change-is-here-and-its-killing-millions/

2. A recent study called Temperature effect on scrub typhus incidence in South Korea: the projection for climate change(2025) looks at how changes in weather affect the spread of scrub typhus, a common infectious disease in Korea. The researchers used data from the Korean Meteorological Administration and national health records to see how temperature and rainfall relate to the number of patients. They found that when the weather is warmer, especially in late summer and autumn, more people get sick. Using climate prediction models, the study also showed that if global warming continues, the number of scrub typhus cases in Korea will likely increase in the future. The study concludes that climate change is not only about the environment but also an important health problem that needs attention and preparation. Scrub typhus is caused by a bacteria carried by mites, and it spreads more easily when the temperature and humidity rise. The researchers explained that warmer weather helps mites grow and survive longer, which increases the chance of people being bitten. They also found that rural areas, where farming and outdoor work are common, are more affected than cities. The study warns that climate change will likely make these high-risk areas larger in the coming decades. It suggests that both medical services and local governments should prepare early by improving disease monitoring and public health education.

This study is important because it shows how climate change is already affecting people’s health in Korea. Scrub typhus is not a tropical disease—it is a local one—but it is spreading faster because of rising temperatures. I think the study helps people understand that climate change can make familiar diseases more dangerous. It also gives useful information for the government to plan better health and environment policies. I personally believe that this research reminds us that climate action should include disease control and public education, not just energy or pollution policies. It teaches us that taking care of the environment also means protecting people’s health. In the future, I hope more research like this will help Korea prepare for the health impacts of global warming.

Reference Lee, J., Kim, H., Park, S., & Choi, Y. (2025). Temperature effect on scrub typhus incidence in South Korea: The projection for climate change. Postgraduate Medical Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/postmj/qgaf110

3. In the summer of 2025, South Korea had very heavy rain and many floods, especially in Gwangju and nearby areas. After the floods, many people became sick with water- and food-related diseases such as diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) told people not to drink water that may be dirty and to eat only clean food. Experts said that because of climate change, strong rain and flooding are happening more often. When floods happen, dirty water can mix with drinking water, and this makes it easier for diseases to spread. Flooding also damages water pipes and sanitation systems, so germs can enter water supplies more easily. Some hospitals in affected areas became crowded with patients who had stomach problems and fevers. The KDCA worked with local governments to clean public areas and provide safe bottled water to residents. However, in smaller rural towns, help arrived more slowly, and people struggled to find safe food and clean water. Scientists believe that similar problems could become more common in the future if heavy rainfall continues to increase.

This news is important because it shows that floods are not only about damage to houses or roads—they can also hurt people’s health. When the weather changes and disasters happen, diseases can spread faster. I think the Korean government should prepare better for this problem by checking water systems, giving people clean water, and sending health workers to help quickly. For me, this news shows that protecting the environment also means protecting people’s health. If we take care of nature and plan for climate change, we can stop many people from getting sick in the future. I also think that education for local residents is important so that they know how to stay safe after floods. Schools and community centers could teach people how to clean water or store food safely. The media can also play a big role in sharing simple information about hygiene during disasters. In my opinion, more cooperation between the environment and health departments will make the response faster. Finally, this case reminds me that even a developed country like Korea can face health risks from climate change if it is not well prepared.

Reference Korea JoongAng Daily. (2025, July 18). Flood-affected regions seeing rise in infectious diseases. Korea JoongAng Daily. https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-07-18/national/socialAffairs/Floodaffected-regions-seeing-rise-in-infectious-diseases/2356190

4. Childs et al. (2025) studied how climate change is affecting the spread of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease common in tropical regions. The researchers combined health data, mosquito biology experiments, and temperature records to see how rising temperatures influence the ability of mosquitoes to spread the virus. They found that warmer climates have already made many areas more suitable for dengue transmission. Looking ahead, if the world continues to warm without strong action, many more people in Asia and the Americas will be at risk. On the other hand, if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and health systems improve mosquito control and vaccine coverage, the rise in dengue can be slowed.

-Method: The study linked mosquito and virus biology with real weather and health records to measure how much warming has already changed dengue risk.

-Findings: Rising temperatures have already increased the areas where dengue can spread. In the future, warmer climates will expand the risk even more, especially in regions that used to be less affected.

-Message: Both climate action (reducing emissions) and health action (vector control, vaccines, surveillance) are needed to protect people.

I find this study very important because it shows clear evidence that climate change is not only about rising seas or storms but also about health. Diseases like dengue are moving into new regions, which means more people may suffer if governments do not act. The study is also useful because it gives a balanced solution: we need to cut emissions globally, but at the same time, local health systems must prepare. I especially value the fact that the authors provided numbers and scenarios, so policymakers can understand the real impact of their choices. For me, this paper is meaningful because it connects two major issues—climate change and infectious disease—that affect all of us. It also shows the importance of international cooperation. Since mosquitoes and viruses do not stop at borders, every country has a responsibility to respond together. The study also gives hope: with quick action, the worst outcomes can still be avoided.

Reference Childs, M. L., Lyberger, K., Harris, M. J., Burke, M., & Mordecai, E. A. (2025). “Climate warming is expanding dengue burden in the Americas and Asia.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2512350122