Climate change is no longer a distant environmental challenge it has become a pressing health crisis. A recent series of papers published in the Journal of Global Health highlights the severe health impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, adolescents, and older adults. Despite the growing awareness of climate change, the specific needs of these groups remain inadequately addressed in global climate strategies.
The findings reveal that climate-related health risks have been underestimated for these populations. Extreme heat, air pollution, and natural disasters such as wildfires and flooding pose significant threats, often with life-threatening consequences.
Extreme Heat:
Heatwaves exacerbate health conditions across all life stages. For pregnant women, high temperatures can lead to preterm births the leading cause of childhood deaths and stillbirths. Research indicates that every 1°C increase above 23.9°C in daily minimum temperature raises the risk of infant mortality by as much as 22.4%. Older adults, already prone to heart attacks and respiratory issues, face heightened risks during heatwaves. For children and adolescents, extreme heat can impair cognitive functions, disrupting learning and development.
Air Pollution:
Ambient air pollution affects pregnancy outcomes, increasing risks of hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preterm births. It also impairs fetal brain and lung development. For children, it leads to respiratory illnesses, while older adults are more vulnerable to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and pneumonia.
Natural Disasters:
Flooding, droughts, and wildfires carry far-reaching physical and mental health implications. Limited access to safe water and food during these events often results in diarrheal diseases and malnutrition. Wildfires, in particular, significantly increase respiratory disorders and cardiovascular mortality rates among older populations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges. Dr. Anshu Banerjee, WHO’s Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, stated, “Climate change is not a distant health threat. Certain populations are already paying a high price.”
To achieve climate justice, governments and policymakers must urgently implement targeted interventions. These include:
- Strengthening Health Systems: Ensuring continuity of health services during climate disasters is critical. This involves preparing facilities for extreme weather and improving access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.
- Tailored Adaptation Measures: Childcare, education, and elder care systems must be adapted for rising temperatures and natural disasters.
- Engaging Communities: Involving people of all ages in climate dialogue and action can foster resilience and collective solutions.
The WHO underscores that a healthy environment underpins health throughout life. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building climate resilience are not only environmental goals but also essential health imperatives.
As Dr. Anayda Portela, a WHO scientist and co-author of the papers, noted, “Specific actions are needed to protect health at various life stages and to ensure services are accessible during climate crises.”
Governments, organizations, and communities must integrate health considerations into climate policies. By addressing the unique vulnerabilities of pregnant women, children, and older adults, society can mitigate the immediate and long-term health impacts of climate change. This proactive approach not only safeguards lives but also contributes to a more equitable and sustainable future.
Inaction is no longer an option. The time to act is now, for the health of current and future generations.
