Climate change is impacting an unexpected area: our blood supply. A recent study in The Lancet Planetary Health highlights how rising temperatures and extreme weather can slow down blood donations, disrupt transportation, and threaten transfusion safety.
Extreme weather events—like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods—are on the rise. These disasters can cause blood shortages at crucial times when more people may need transfusions. "Any major disruptions to the availability and safety of the blood supply puts lives at risk," notes Elvina Viennet, an infectious disease researcher from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia and a lead author of the study.
This research is the first global look at how climate change affects blood supplies. Dr. Viennet and her team analyzed numerous studies on the impact of extreme weather on health issues, including the spread of infectious diseases and public health safety. They connected these findings to all parts of the blood supply chain.
During crises, weather can keep potential donors at home. Roads may be blocked, and people often face personal emergencies in the wake of disasters, making blood donation seem less urgent. Mobile donation centers may also struggle to reach the areas where they’re needed most.
Moreover, the demand for blood often spikes following these events. For example, statistics show that blood donations can drop by as much as 25% after major natural disasters, just when hospitals need it most.
Social media platforms have seen many discussions around this issue, with users expressing concerns over how climate change could complicate health services. In March 2023, a trending hashtag on Twitter raised awareness about the link between extreme weather and blood supply uncertainty, prompting conversations about community efforts to boost donations.
Understanding this connection between climate change and blood supply can help us prepare better for future challenges. By realizing the urgency and effects of climate disaster, we can ensure that blood donations remain steady and reliable, especially during critical times.
For more detailed insights on this research, visit The Lancet Planetary Health.
Check out this related article: Unlocking Climate Action: How Gestalt Leadership Empowers Filipinos to Fight for a Sustainable Future
Source linkGlobal Warming,Blood,Blood Donation,Transfusions,Research,Lancet, The (Journal),Epidemics,American Red Cross
