Building blocks of health disrupted by climate change
Infographic of how climate change will disrupt the building blocks of our health from the air we breath and water we drink through to disease risk and our social support networks.
Click on a section of the diagram below to learn more about that topic.
![Climate change map](/resources/themes/royalsoc_dist/img/assets/climate/climatelrg.jpg)
![Community section toggle Image of community hall and people talking.](/resources/themes/royalsoc_dist/img/assets/climate/community.jpg)
Community
Strong social ties support our health but communities may be disrupted if neighbourhoods are abandoned or relocated.
![Well-being section toggle. Image of a woman jogging and a woman crying on floor.](/resources/themes/royalsoc_dist/img/assets/climate/well-being.jpg)
Well-being
Mental outlook is important for health but repeated stresses from extreme weather and other impacts of climate change may take a toll on our well-being.
![Water section toggle Image of person swimming in a body of water with a seperate body of water with no swimming sign.](/resources/themes/royalsoc_dist/img/assets/climate/water.jpg)
Water
Clean water is essential for our health but droughts, floods and increased temperatures may lead to water contamination and toxic algal blooms.
![Food section toggle Two baskets of groceries, one with significantly less.](/resources/themes/royalsoc_dist/img/assets/climate/food.jpg)
Food
We need healthy food but droughts, floods and changes in weather patterns increase risk of crop disease, food spoilage, shortages and contamination.
![Air section toggle Man walking outdoors, and a man using an inhaler.](/resources/themes/royalsoc_dist/img/assets/climate/air.jpg)
Air
Clean air is vital for our health but changes in temperature and rainfall can increase air pollution and pollen allergens, which will increase the prevalence of respiratory problems.
![Temperature section toggle Worker collapsed with high temperature and worker working with normal temperature.](/resources/themes/royalsoc_dist/img/assets/climate/temperature.jpg)
Temperature
Moderate temperatures make life and work comfortable but more hot days will increase heat stroke, aggression and heart disease, especially for outdoor workers.
![Shelter section toggle Picture of house underwater, another house with people standing out the front.](/resources/themes/royalsoc_dist/img/assets/climate/shelter.jpg)
Shelter
We need adequate shelter for our health but some homes may become uninhabitable due to floods, erosion or fire.
![Disease section toggle Person in bed unwell, and person on bike ride.](/resources/themes/royalsoc_dist/img/assets/climate/disease.jpg)
Disease
Avoiding disease is vital for our health but rates of infection are likely to increase. Tropical diseases like malaria or West Nile virus may establish in New Zealand.