Global climate change is affecting public health by triggering illnesses connected to shifting weather patterns and higher temperatures, based on a report by a leading group of United States doctors. The group of physicians is calling for united action to fight climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Rising global temperatures are boosting conditions such as heat stroke and breathing problems; and infectious diseases such as dengue fever, cholera, and Zika virus.      

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The position paper was written by the American College of Physicians (ACP). It was published online on April 18, Monday in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.  

Dr. Wayne Riley is president of ACP. He explains that climate change is already harming people, and that not dealing with it could result in more health issues.

Riley notes that there is strong scientific proof that climate change is real. The ACP paper lists many changes in public health related to long-term weather changes.

For example, climate change is causing an increase in heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

In addition, rising temperatures are causing more respiratory illnesses such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), according to Health. Sources include ozone pollution, allergens from weeds and grasses, and wildfire smoke.

Meanwhile, water-borne illnesses including cholera can spread due to flooding or droughts. Insect-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Zika virus also have a bigger range as mosquitoes move farther north to warm regions.                                                                                    

Even mental health disorders are spiking due to changes in climate. That is due to depressions and post-traumatic stress disorder linked to natural disasters, and stress and anxiety caused by hot weather.

The ACP is encouraging members to support climate change policies in their local communities. It also urges them to use energy-efficient methods in their clinics and hospitals.

In related news, the average temperatures and sea levels are rising around the world based on a report by Rutgers University's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Since the 1800s the average global temperatures have risen almost 2 degrees Fahrenheit, while sea levels have risen around 5.5 inches (14 centimeters) from 1900 to 2000, according to Albany Daily Star.  

Experts believe sea levels could become much worse in the 22nd century, and require people to move away from several of the world's coastal cities.  

Here are ways to avoid heat stroke: