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Climate change and the human body: People are adapting to climate change badly

Climate change is affecting the human body, which could have long-term consequences for public health.

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Quantumrun Foresight
September 25, 2023

Insight summary

A growing body of research highlights the adverse impacts of climate change on human health. Increasing global temperatures make people more prone to heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-induced ailments. Air pollution also contributes to respiratory issues and skin conditions, further aggravating pre-existing health problems.

Climate change and body changes context

Compared to the preindustrial period of 1850-1900, the Earth's surface temperature has experienced an approximate rise of 1.09°C (with an estimated range between 0.95-1.20°C). As global temperatures continue to approach the 1.5-2°C threshold, there will likely be a dramatic increase in extreme weather events, widespread extinctions, considerable effects on food supply and water security, as well as various socio-economic disturbances. Measures taken to address climate change up until now have not been sufficient to tackle the associated challenges. Most scenarios provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predict that the global temperature will exceed the 1.5°C threshold by 2040.

According to the Journal of Women's Health, climate and environmental changes (CECs) can influence sexual maturation, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, neonatal health, lactation, and menopause. Rising temperatures, increased pollutants, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and toxins in the air and food systems contribute to weaker and less diverse skin microbiomes, which are more vulnerable to diseases like cancer. Furthermore, extreme weather events like floods, wildfires, and hurricanes have been linked to a surge in dermatological issues.

Disruptive impact

According to the International Journal of Environment Research and Public Health, the global average age of menarche (the first menstrual period) has been decreasing, possibly due to disrupted food availability, nutritional factors, or heightened exposure to toxins and pollutants. Additionally, a 2022 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health analyzing nearly 33 million US births found associations between heat and premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.

Lactation can also be impacted, as breast milk may contain environmental pollutants. Lipophilic pollutants (those that dissolve in fats or lipids) can cause significant harm when ingested by a newborn through their digestive system. Lastly, CECs can heighten women's exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), potentially leading to reduced ovarian function and earlier menopause.

Meanwhile, a 2022 research published in the International Journal of Dermatology indicates that compromised skin microbiomes may influence the prevalence and severity of skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, psoriasis, and skin cancer. Moreover, the rise in extreme weather events can contribute to a higher incidence of skin issues, such as infections, water immersion-related injuries, exposure to skin-irritating substances, and worsening of pre-existing skin conditions.

Implications of climate change and body changes

Wider implications of climate change and body changes may include:

Escalating public healthcare costs due to aggravated skin diseases and related illnesses, like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), resulting from extreme weather events and increased pollutants.

Growing rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Altered precipitation patterns and climate-related factors contributing to food insecurity, malnutrition, and other nutritional deficiencies.

Decreased productivity and more frequent breaks for outdoor workers.

Higher risk of infectious disease outbreaks, as warmer temperatures foster conditions conducive to pathogen spread.

Increased mortality rates in certain regions due to heat stress-related factors, leading to potential climate migration and a surge in climate refugees.