The study published by the British newspaper convinces with new conclusions
Summary
Recent studies have shown how increased temperatures and CO2 levels directly affect the human brain, causing problems in decision making, memory and the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
Climate change is directly affecting our brains. This is the conclusion of a study published by the newspaper The Guardian. The evidence comes from several areas.
Psychologists and behavioral economists have shown how temperature spikes cause sudden increases in everything from domestic violence to online hate speech. Cognitive neuroscientists have mapped the pathways through which extreme heat and increased CO2 levels impair decision making, diminish problem-solving abilities, and impair our ability to learn.
“We know what happens in the cardiovascular system; we know what happens in the respiratory system; We know what happens in the immune system. But there is almost nothing about neurology and brain health,” warns Burcin Ikiz, neuroscientist at the mental health organization Baszucki Group.
Ikiz is part of a growing group of neuroscientists trying to connect the dots between environmental and neurological well-being.
During a summer 2016 heat wave in Boston, Harvard epidemiologists showed that college students who lived in dorms without air conditioning performed on standard cognitive tests more slowly than those who lived with air conditioning.
In January 2024, Chinese economists observed that students who took math tests on days above 32°C appeared to have lost the equivalent of a quarter of a year of education, compared to testing days in the 22°C range and 24°C.
Ikiz is particularly concerned about the neurodegenerative effects of the climate crisis. Partly because prolonged exposure to heat alone – including an increase of just one degree Celsius – can activate a number of biochemical pathways associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Air pollution does the same.
So, with the continued consumption of fossil fuels, whether through direct or indirect effects, comes more dementia. Researchers have already shown how dementia-related hospital admissions increase with temperature. Warmer weather also worsens symptoms of neurodegeneration.
Watch the video with commentary by André Forasteiri.
Source: The Guardian
André Forastieri is a journalist and entrepreneur, founder of Homework and the content and connections agency Compasso, as well as a mentor to professionals and executives. Find out more aboutandreforastieri.com.br
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
