This was conveyed by Ema Sismadi, a midwife at the Budi Kemuliaan Health Institute, during a discussion on Saturday.
"The impact of extreme weather, natural disasters, epidemics, infrastructure erosion, food insecurity, and drought increases the incidence of infections and fertility problems. All of these affect sexual and reproductive health," she noted.
She explained that climate change, which causes an increase in the Earth's temperature, affects fertility rates, saying that a one-degree increase in temperature can impact the fertility of egg cells and gametes produced by human reproductive organs.
In addition, environmental damage due to pollution and industrial waste poses a risk to human reproductive health if individuals are continuously exposed to these pollutants.
"In fact, a study found an outbreak in Japan caused by industrial factory waste contaminated with cadmium metal. The contamination is suspected of causing health problems in teenagers and pregnant women," Sismadi pointed out.
Reproductive health issues can arise both directly and indirectly from the effects of environmental deterioration and climate change.
An unhealthy environment contributes to unmet nutritional needs, gives rise to mental health problems, and obstructs access to health services, ultimately affecting reproductive health and fertility rates.
"Disasters, access difficulties, and other forms of violence due to climate change can increase the risk of contracting STIs (sexually transmitted infections), in addition to the unmet need for contraception," Sismadi pointed out.
She stressed that climate change is a serious challenge that requires anticipatory action on a global scale. Environmental education is also important to raise awareness and encourage sustainable behavior.
"Young people must be prepared to become proactive agents of change in protecting the environment. Then, we can also make collective efforts, for example, in schools," she added.
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Translator: Farhan Arda Nugraha, Katriana
Editor: Anton Santoso
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