A midwife who is part of the Budi Kemuliaan Health Institute, Ema Sismadi, explained that climate change and natural damage caused by humans can affect reproductive health, both men and women.
“The impact of extreme weather, natural disasters, epidemics, infrastructure erosion, food security and drought increases the incidence of infections and fertility problems. All of the factors mentioned affect sexual and reproductive health,” said Ema in a discussion held in North Jakarta, Saturday. .
Ema explained that climate change which resulted in an increase in the earth’s temperature affected fertility levels. He said that an increase in temperature by one degree can affect the fertility level of ovum cells (egg cells) and gametes produced by reproductive organs.
Apart from that, natural damage due to pollutant contamination and industrial waste also causes the risk of problems with human reproductive health if exposed to pollutants continuously.
“In fact, there was a study of an outbreak in Japan, from industrial factory waste contaminated with cadmium metal which allegedly caused health problems in teenagers and pregnant women,” he said.
Not only direct impacts, climate change and natural damage are also indirect causes of reproductive health problems.
Unhealthy environmental conditions cause nutritional needs to not be met, mental health problems, and hampered access to health services, which also affects reproductive health and fertility levels.
“There is a higher risk of STIs (sexually transmitted infections), due to disasters, difficulties with access, other violence as a result of the impact of climate change, and the increasing unmet need for contraception,” Ema added.
Therefore, according to him, climate change is a serious challenge that requires anticipatory action on a global scale. Environmental education is also considered important in increasing awareness and forming sustainable behavior.
“Young people must be prepared to become agents of change or agents of change who are proactive in protecting the environment. Then, we can make collective efforts, for example at school,” said Ema. (Ant/D-2)
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**Interview with Ema Sismadi: The Impact of Climate Change on Reproductive Health**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ema Sismadi, a midwife from the Budi Kemuliaan Health Institute, who recently highlighted the alarming effects of climate change on reproductive health. Thank you for joining us, Ema.
**Ema Sismadi:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** You mentioned that climate change influences reproductive health for both men and women. Can you elaborate on how this occurs?
**Ema Sismadi:** Certainly. The rising temperatures due to climate change can significantly affect fertility. For instance, an increase of just one degree Celsius can impact the viability of ovum cells and the gametes produced by reproductive organs. This can lead to decreased fertility rates.
**Editor:** That sounds concerning. Are there other factors related to climate change that contribute to these reproductive health issues?
**Ema Sismadi:** Yes, absolutely. Extreme weather events, natural disasters, and even the erosion of infrastructure can disrupt healthcare services. This creates a domino effect on food security and may lead to droughts, which further increase the incidence of reproductive health issues, such as infections and fertility problems.
**Editor:** So, climate change is not just an environmental issue but a public health one as well. What do you think can be done to address these challenges?
**Ema Sismadi:** It’s crucial to recognize the connection between environmental health and reproductive health. Therefore, it’s important for policymakers to integrate reproductive health into climate action strategies. Education and awareness programs targeting the impacts of climate change on health can also empower communities to take action.
**Editor:** That’s a proactive approach. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic, Ema. It’s clear that addressing climate change is essential not just for the planet, but for our health as well.
**Ema Sismadi:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this pressing issue. It’s vital that we raise awareness and encourage collaborative efforts to mitigate these effects.
**Editor:** Absolutely. We appreciate your insights and look forward to seeing how this conversation evolves. Thank you again for your time.
