An international team of scientists led by Professor Gail Whitman from the University of Exeter has found that climate change in the polar regions has a significant impact on global human well-being. Among the risk factors named are the weakening of high-altitude jet streams and disruptions in ocean circulation, which lead to severe weather events, injuries, and an increase in mental disorders. Sea-level rise due to melting glaciers can increase the salinity of groundwater and poison drinking water resources, which will likely lead to an increase in episodes of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, newborn mortality, and various types of cancer. Permafrost degradation threatens structures and is capable of releasing old toxins and disease agents.
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