Global Climate Change and Children’s Health: Threats and Strategies for Prevention

Abstract

BackgroundGlobal climate change will have multiple effects on human health. Vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, and the poor—will be disproportionately affected.ObjectiveWe reviewed projected impacts of climate change on children’s health, the pathways involved in these effects, and prevention strategies.Data sourcesWe assessed primary studies, review articles, and organizational reports.Data synthesisClimate change is increasing the global burden of disease and in the year 2000 was responsible for > 150,000 deaths worldwide. Of this disease burden, 88% fell upon children. Documented health effects include changing ranges of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue; increased diarrheal and respiratory disease; increased morbidity and mortality from extreme weather; changed exposures to toxic chemicals; worsened poverty; food and physical insecurity; and threats to human habitation. Heat-related health effects for which research is emerging include diminished school performance, increased rates of pregnancy complications, and renal effects. Stark variation in these outcomes is evident by geographic region and socioeconomic status, and these impacts will exacerbate health disparities. Prevention strategies to reduce health impacts of climate change include reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation through multiple public health interventions.ConclusionsFurther quantification of the effects of climate change on children’s health is needed globally and also at regional and local levels through enhanced monitoring of children’s environmental health and by tracking selected indicators. Climate change preparedness strategies need to be incorporated into public health programs.

Public perception of climate change and its impact on health and environment in rural southwestern Nigeria

“…18 Effects on children as reported by our study include sickness, poor growth, and malnutrition. This corroborates another study, 19 which was carried out among children that documented the deleterious effects of CC on their respiratory system. Risky practices our respondents felt contributed to the occurrence of CC included smoking (a tenth), bush burning (a third), and tree felling (two-fifths).…”

Adolescents Perception on Environmental Change and Health Risk in Two Divisions of Bangladesh

“…Therefore it is important to know the level of understanding among people how they link environmental change and health problems. Several studies showed that children are worst victim of climate change [11] [12]. Some studies has been carried out both in developed and developing countries to understand the perceptions on the effects of climate change on health among communities [13]- [22].…”

Global Climate Change and Children’s Health

“…13 These changes pose significant threats to human health, 14 with children representing a uniquely vulnerable group. 15 According to the World Health Organization, more than 88% of the existing burden of disease attributable to climate change occurs in children younger than 5 years. 16 The diverse health effects of climate change have been categorized as primary, secondary, and tertiary (Table 1).…”