THE HOMEOSTATIC STRAIN OF EL NIÑO: ORGAN SYSTEM CONSEQUENCES AND HUMAN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v22i3.1980Keywords:
Climate Change, El Niño-Southern Oscillation, ENSO, Homeostasis, PhysiologyAbstract
Climate anomalies are often assessed through meteorological or socioeconomic frameworks, yet their most immediate impacts manifest through human physiology. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), with its alternating warm and cool phases, disrupts global climate patterns and exposes populations to extreme heat, altered rainfall, and degraded air quality. These shifts act as systemic stressors that challenge cellular homeostasis, tissue perfusion, and organ function. Resulting physiological strain includes oxidative injury, cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity, acute kidney injury, and neuroendocrine imbalance. Livelihood disruption, displacement, and chronic psychological stress further amplify adverse outcomes. Addressing these effects requires integrated research on climate-related pathophysiology, strengthened public health education, and incorporation of climate-health concepts into medical and allied health training.
Pak J Physiol 2026;22(3):115–6, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v22i3.1980
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmed Badar
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