{"id":119952,"date":"2025-02-05T07:55:05","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T07:55:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alj.com\/?post_type=perspective&p=119952"},"modified":"2026-03-26T11:52:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T11:52:31","slug":"heating-up-healthcare-addressing-the-health-consequences-of-a-warmer-world","status":"publish","type":"perspective","link":"https:\/\/alj.com\/en\/perspective\/heating-up-healthcare-addressing-the-health-consequences-of-a-warmer-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Heating up healthcare: addressing the health consequences of a warmer world"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is climate change an existential threat? \u00a0Undoubtedly, for those who’ve already fallen victim. \u00a0Around 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly susceptible to climate change.[1]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0In the last two decades, heat-related deaths among over 65s alone have risen 70%.[2]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC<\/a>) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6<\/a>) concluded that climate risks are appearing faster than ever.[3]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0According to World Bank<\/a> data, a warmer climate could lead to at least 21 million additional deaths by 2050, from just five health risks: extreme heat, stunting, diarrhea, malaria, and dengue fever.[4]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0Many more will live to suffer the consequences.<\/p>\n

Inescapable harm for millions?<\/h2>\n

Climate change\u2019s direct cost to health is expected to range from US$ 2-4 billion annually by 2030.[5]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 A changing climate increases the seriousness or frequency of existing health problems and creates new ones \u2013 both directly and indirectly. \u00a0It poses short and long-term health risks, while negatively impacting the systems people rely on for good health, from food and water to livelihoods, communities, healthcare, and the economy. \u00a0This makes it a deadly threat multiplier.<\/p>\n

Climate-change related health impacts include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Injury and fatality from extreme weather events.
    \n<\/strong>Storms, floods, wildfires, and droughts put lives at risk. \u00a0They can also prevent people from accessing care, particularly vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, older adults, or people with chronic illnesses, as well as exacerbating other health risks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    1. Heat-related illness.
      \n<\/strong>In 2023, the world saw the highest global temperatures in over 100,000 years.      [6]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0Exposure to extreme or prolonged heat can cause exhaustion, heat stroke, kidney and heart disease, and pregnancy complications.[7]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0Some 37% of heat-related deaths are due to anthropogenic climate change.[8]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0At the current warming trajectory, annual heat-related deaths will increase by 370% by midcentury.[9]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n
    2. Respiratory illness.
      \n<\/strong>Climate-related extreme weather and heat, including wildfires and dust, usually worsen air quality, which has a negative impact on respiratory illnesses.      [10]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0Droughts cause dust, while hot weather can increase harmful ground-level ozone[11]<\/sup><\/a> and flooding can lead to dangerous bacteria and mold.[12]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0Poor air quality raises risks for heart disease and stroke, asthma and other respiratory diseases, pregnancy complications, and some cancers.[13]<\/sup><\/a>,[14]<\/a><\/sup> \u00a0Children and people with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable.<\/li>\n
    3. Water-borne health risks.
      \n<\/strong>World Health Organization (      WHO<\/a>) data indicates that 2 billion people lack safe drinking water.[15]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0Increased rainfall, storms, and flooding can contaminate water resources with viruses and bacteria, causing gastrointestinal and other illnesses.[16]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0Rising temperatures can lead to algal blooms, which produce harmful toxins.[17]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n
    4. Vector-borne diseases and zoonoses.
      \n<\/strong>Warmer, wetter environments create favorable conditions for       disease vectors<\/a>, which carry diseases themselves and can transmit them from other animals to humans. \u00a0Disease vectors currently account for over 700,000 deaths annually.[18]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0For example, mosquito and tick species are gaining footholds in Europe and other parts of the world, carrying West Nile and Usutu viruses.[19]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0By midcentury, coastlines supporting vibrio pathogens are estimated to expand by 17%\u201325%, with 36%\u201337% increased dengue transmission.[20]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n
    5. Food, water, and sanitation.
      \n<\/strong>Climate change is damaging water security, food production, and sanitation. \u00a0The global land area impacted by extreme drought has increased from 18% in 1951\u201360 to 47% in 2013\u201322, putting millions of people at risk of malnutrition and potentially irreversible health effects.      [21]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0A warmer climate may extend some crop cycles. However, it may also limit biodiversity and increase pests.[22]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n
    6. Mental and psychosocial health.
      \n<\/strong>Climate change can trigger or intensify anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. \u00a0In addition to job instability, natural disasters, and displacement can disrupt social cohesion and support networks, leading to increased drug use and violence.      [23]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \"\"<\/p>\n

      Who is most at risk?<\/h2>\n

      An individual\u2019s vulnerability to climate change depends on numerous factors, including geography, demographics, health and biology, sociopolitical and socioeconomic status, health system capacity, and gender.<\/p>\n

      High-risk populations[24]<\/a> include:<\/p>\n