International Journal of Life Science and Agriculture Research

Climate change impacts vary significantly across sectors and geographical contexts. This study examined the multifaceted impacts of climate change on human health and the current adaptation strategies established in Guyana. This study critically analyzed climate change and its designation as one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods design was implemented. The data was obtained from both primary and secondary sources and were triangulated. A total of 120 participants formedthe sample of the study.Respondents (99%) indicated that there is a link betweenclimate change and health. Directimpacts of climatechange on health results in dehydration (80%),heat exhaustion (70%),heat stroke (65%),respiratory diseases (40%), and cardiovascular diseases (25%).Indirect impacts of climate changeon health, resultsin dengue (60%), psychological distress (55%), malaria (35%), and malnutrition (25%). The categories of people most at risk of having health related issues as a result of the impact of climate change are people with pre-existing medical conditions (40%), older adults (35%), and children (25%). The Final Themes which emanated from analysis of the qualitative data were; Increased HealthRisk, Ecosystem Imbalance, Reduced Immunity, Comorbidity, Chronic Illness and Resource Degradation. The existing adaptation measures in Guyana are: - National Climate Change Policies and Frameworks - Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDs) 2030, strengthening coastal and flood management systems, climate-resilient agriculture initiatives, health system preparedness and surveillance Guyana, renewable energy and low-carbon development, community-based adaptation and disaster risk reduction and international partnerships and funding.

Adaptation, Climate Change, Health Impacts, Perspectives

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