Unit 1
Session duration: 6 academic hours, including:
- Lecture: 2 h,
- Workshop: 3 h,
- Q&A: 1h
Learning objectives:
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
- Identify the primary greenhouse gases (GHGs) and their sources, both human and natural.
- Explain the mechanisms by which GHGs contribute to climate change and global warming.
- Analyze how climate change impacts the global burden of disease (GBD), including heat-related mortality, vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, and respiratory conditions.
- Use open-access data (WHO, GBD/IHME, OurWorldInData) to visualize GHG-related health trends.
- Critically assess climate-health interlinkages and propose mitigation or adaptation strategies.
Session format: Blended (In-class + online pre-study)
Digital innovation focus: Students learn to use GBD/WHO dashboards and interpret real-world datasets
Inclusivity & sustainability focus
- Includes climate justice aspects (e.g., vulnerable populations in LMICs),
- Promotes digital literacy for sustainability reporting,
- Encourages students to connect global concepts to their local/national context.
Discussion questions:
1. Which greenhouse gases have the strongest impact on climate change, and why?
2. What are the health effects associated with increasing concentrations of GHGs?
3. How does air pollution differ from greenhouse gas emissions in terms of health outcomes?
4. How does the global burden of disease (GBD) reflect the impact of climate change?
5. What populations are most vulnerable to GHG-related health risks?
The instructor:
- Presents key concepts (GHGs, CO₂ equivalents, IPCC basics, climate-health pathways).
- Demonstrates use of the GBD visualization tool and CO₂ data dashboard.
- Guides interactive group work and facilitates discussions
Students:
- Participate in an interactive quiz (via Kahoot or Moodle) on GHG types and sources.
- Work in groups to analyze a GBD dataset by country/region (provided in Excel or the WHO dashboard).
- Reflect on climate-health vulnerability in a short diary entry using the INSERT technique.
- Contribute to a collaborative Padlet or Jamboard on climate-sensitive diseases.
Assignments
Before the session: 1) Read assigned literature (see below); 2) Watch introductory video “Climate Change and Health” (WHO, 2023, 10 min: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0yjb3HuyQw)
During the session: 1) Take part in group GBD case analysis (1 page summary + visualization, https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-foresight/); 2) Engage in data interpretation of trends from IHME or OurWorldInData.
After the session: 1) Submit diary #1: “How do GHGs affect health in my country or region?” (2 pages max, with 1 citation)
Recommended reading & resources:
- WHO. (2023). Climate change and health: Key facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health;
- IPCC AR6 Summary for Policymakers – Health Chapter (https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGII_SummaryForPolicymakers.pdf),
- Prüss-Üstün, A., Corvalán, C. (2006). Preventing disease through healthy environments (https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/204585/9789241565196_eng.pdf),
- Max Roser & Hannah Ritchie. CO₂ and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. OurWorldInData.org (https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-greenhouse-gas-emissions),
- IHME GBD Compare Tool: https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare/,
- Copernicus Climate Change Service (https://climate.copernicus.eu/).
Unit 1
(Restore this version)
Modified: 28 May 2026, 1:22 PM User: Anarbaeva Akbermet Almazbekovna →
How Greenhouse Gases Affect Health in Kyrgyzstan
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere. Although these gases are naturally present, human activities including transportation, coal burning, agriculture, and industrial emissions have significantly increased their concentration. In Kyrgyzstan, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible and are directly influencing public health and daily life.
One of the most noticeable impacts is the increase in extreme heat and unstable weather conditions. Summers in many parts of Kyrgyzstan, especially in Bishkek and southern regions, are becoming hotter. Heatwaves can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, cardiovascular stress, and worsening of chronic diseases, especially among elderly people, children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Medical facilities may also face additional pressure during periods of extreme heat.
Air pollution is another important health concern connected to greenhouse gas emissions. In Bishkek, winter air pollution becomes severe because of coal burning for heating, vehicle emissions, and temperature inversions. Polluted air contains harmful particles and gases that increase the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and lung infections. Long-term exposure may also contribute to cardiovascular diseases and reduced quality of life. Healthcare workers and researchers in Kyrgyzstan are increasingly recognizing air pollution as a major public health issue.
Climate change also affects water resources and food security. Kyrgyzstan relies heavily on glaciers for freshwater supply. Rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melting, which may initially increase flooding risks but eventually reduce water availability. Reduced water supply can negatively affect agriculture, hygiene, and access to safe drinking water. Crop losses and unstable food production may contribute to malnutrition and economic stress, particularly in rural communities.
In addition, climate change may influence the spread of infectious diseases. Warmer temperatures and environmental changes can alter the habitats of insects and other disease carriers. This may increase the risk of vector-borne diseases and gastrointestinal infections associated with contaminated water during floods or poor sanitation conditions.
From my perspective as a medical professional/student, greenhouse gases and climate change are not only environmental problems but also health challenges. They affect respiratory health, cardiovascular conditions, mental well-being, nutrition, and healthcare systems. Raising awareness, improving environmental policies, reducing emissions, and promoting sustainable healthcare practices are important steps for protecting public health in Kyrgyzstan.
Citation:
World Health Organization. Climate change and health. World Health Organization – Climate Change and Health