The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to understand complex texts and answer various question types. Today, we’ll focus on a highly relevant topic: “Climate change’s impact on global public health.” This subject has been increasingly prevalent in IELTS exams, reflecting its growing importance in global discussions. Based on recent trends and the topic’s significance, there’s a high likelihood of encountering similar themes in future IELTS tests. Let’s dive into a practice passage and questions to enhance your reading skills on this crucial subject.
Climate change affecting global health
Practice Passage: The Health Consequences of a Changing Climate
Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality affecting various aspects of human life. Among its many impacts, the consequences on global public health are particularly alarming. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, we are witnessing a cascade of health issues that span across continents and demographics.
One of the most direct impacts of climate change on health is the increase in heat-related illnesses. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are on the rise, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. In urban areas, the “heat island effect” exacerbates this problem, turning cities into heat traps that can be significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas.
Climate change also alters the patterns of vector-borne diseases. As temperatures warm, disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes and ticks are expanding their geographical range, bringing diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease to new regions. This shift not only increases the number of people at risk but also challenges health systems in areas previously unaffected by these diseases.
The changing climate is also impacting food security and nutrition. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, can devastate crops, leading to food shortages and increased malnutrition. In some regions, rising CO2 levels are reducing the nutritional value of staple crops, potentially leading to micronutrient deficiencies on a large scale.
Water-related health issues are another significant concern. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, leading to water scarcity in some areas and flooding in others. This not only affects access to clean drinking water but also increases the risk of water-borne diseases. Flooding can overwhelm sanitation systems, contaminating water sources and leading to outbreaks of diseases like cholera and typhoid.
Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of climate change’s health impact. The stress of dealing with extreme weather events, displacement, and the loss of livelihoods can lead to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This psychological toll can have long-lasting effects on individuals and communities.
The health impacts of climate change are not distributed equally. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions, and communities in low-income countries, are disproportionately affected. This exacerbates existing health inequalities and poses significant challenges to global health equity.
Addressing the health impacts of climate change requires a multifaceted approach. This includes strengthening health systems to cope with new and emerging threats, implementing early warning systems for extreme weather events, and developing climate-resilient infrastructure. Public health initiatives must also focus on education and awareness, helping communities understand and prepare for health risks associated with climate change.
Moreover, the health sector itself must adapt to become more environmentally sustainable. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are significant contributors to carbon emissions, and there’s a growing movement towards “green healthcare” that aims to reduce the sector’s environmental footprint while improving patient care.
In conclusion, the impact of climate change on global public health is complex and far-reaching. As we continue to witness the effects of our changing climate, it’s clear that protecting public health will be one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century. The response to this challenge will require unprecedented collaboration between health professionals, policymakers, and communities worldwide.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- Heat-related illnesses are increasing due to climate change.
- The “heat island effect” makes rural areas warmer than cities.
- Vector-borne diseases are spreading to new geographical areas.
- Rising CO2 levels are improving the nutritional value of crops.
- Mental health issues are a recognized consequence of climate change.
Multiple Choice
-
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a direct impact of climate change on health?
A) Increased heat-related illnesses
B) Spread of vector-borne diseases
C) Rise in respiratory allergies
D) Water-related health issues -
The passage suggests that addressing the health impacts of climate change requires:
A) Focusing solely on reducing carbon emissions
B) A multifaceted approach including strengthening health systems
C) Ignoring the needs of vulnerable populations
D) Reducing public health initiatives
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the appropriate paragraphs in the passage:
- Paragraph 4
- Paragraph 5
- Paragraph 7
Headings:
A) Unequal Distribution of Health Impacts
B) Nutritional Challenges in a Changing Climate
C) Water-related Health Risks
D) Mental Health Consequences
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage:
- What term is used to describe the phenomenon where cities become significantly warmer than surrounding areas?
- Name two vector-borne diseases mentioned in the passage that are spreading due to climate change.
- What type of health care is mentioned as a movement to reduce the environmental impact of the health sector?
Answer Key and Explanations
- True – The passage states, “As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are on the rise.”
- False – The passage mentions that the “heat island effect” makes cities warmer, not rural areas.
- True – The text says, “As temperatures warm, disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes and ticks are expanding their geographical range.”
- False – The passage states that rising CO2 levels are reducing the nutritional value of staple crops.
- True – The passage discusses mental health impacts, including “increased rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
- C – The passage does not mention respiratory allergies as a direct impact of climate change.
- B – The text states, “Addressing the health impacts of climate change requires a multifaceted approach. This includes strengthening health systems…”
- B – This paragraph discusses how climate change affects food security and nutrition.
- C – This paragraph focuses on water-related health issues caused by climate change.
- A – This paragraph discusses how the health impacts of climate change are not distributed equally.
- Heat island effect
- Malaria (and) dengue fever (Any two of: malaria, dengue fever, Lyme disease)
- Green healthcare
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking specific details: Pay attention to precise information, such as the “heat island effect” making cities warmer, not rural areas.
- Misinterpreting “Not Given” statements: If information isn’t explicitly stated or implied, choose “Not Given.”
- Falling for distractors in multiple-choice questions: Read all options carefully and choose the one that best matches the passage.
- Exceeding word limits in short answer questions: Stick strictly to the word limit given.
Key Vocabulary
- Vector-borne diseases: [ˈvektə bɔːn dɪˈziːzɪz] (noun) – Illnesses transmitted by insects or other organisms.
- Heat island effect: [hiːt ˈaɪlənd ɪˈfekt] (noun) – A phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas.
- Food security: [fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti] (noun) – The state of having reliable access to sufficient, affordable, nutritious food.
- Water scarcity: [ˈwɔːtə ˈskeəsəti] (noun) – The lack of sufficient available water resources to meet water needs within a region.
- Climate-resilient: [ˈklaɪmət rɪˈzɪliənt] (adjective) – Able to withstand or quickly recover from climate-related threats.
Grammar Focus
Complex sentences with multiple clauses are common in academic texts. For example:
“As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, we are witnessing a cascade of health issues that span across continents and demographics.”
This sentence structure allows for the presentation of cause-effect relationships and multiple ideas within a single sentence. Practice identifying main and subordinate clauses to improve your understanding of complex texts.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
- Time management is crucial. Allocate your time wisely across all passages and questions.
- Skim the passage first to get a general idea, then read more carefully when answering questions.
- Pay attention to transition words and topic sentences to understand the passage structure.
- Practice with a variety of question types to familiarize yourself with different formats.
- Build your vocabulary, especially in topics related to current global issues like climate change and public health.
- Don’t spend too much time on one question. If you’re unsure, make an educated guess and move on.
Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and strategic approach. Keep engaging with complex texts on various topics to enhance your reading skills and expand your knowledge base. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
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