How is climate change expected to influence health outcomes?

B is the correct choice because climate change is anticipated to contribute to a range of stressors that can negatively impact physical and mental health. Extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, can lead to injuries, fatalities, and increased mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The disruption caused by hurricanes, floods, and wildfires not only has immediate health consequences but also long-term effects on communities, including displacement and loss of livelihoods, which can exacerbate stress levels.

The other options, while they might relate to health, do not accurately reflect the expected impacts of climate change. Climate change typically worsens air quality rather than improving it, leading to increased respiratory illnesses. Access to fresh food sources can be limited as agricultural systems are disrupted by climate-related factors such as droughts or floods. Lastly, the incidence of heat-related illnesses is more likely to increase as higher temperatures become more common, negating any potential reductions in those illnesses. Thus, the expectation is that climate change will heighten vulnerability to various health risks, primarily through stress and trauma from extreme weather events.