Global warming, oxidative stress and disease

Abstract

Global warming is the world's greatest threat to health. Increased oxidative stress, which is responsible for all disease onset is, to a large extent, related to global warming. Oxidative stress parameters associated with global warming are increased energy use, extreme weather, changing climate, increases in vector-borne diseases, growing urbanization, increased industrialization, ever increasing air pollution, water pollution and pesticide use, declining crop quality, greater mold growth, more contaminated food, increased psychological stress and species extinction. Some of these parameters, labeled micro actions, can be addressed by the individual to lower oxidative stress. Most, however, labeled macro actions require societal commitments. For example, an individual can filter drinking water, but only governments can require the use of renewable energy for electrical power generation.