Rising global temperatures linked to 60% Increase in pre-term birth risks, warns study

A comprehensive review of 163 global health studies by Australian scientists reveals a troubling 60% average rise in the risk of pre-term births due to extreme temperatures from global warming. The research indicates a concerning decline in various health indicators.

Presently, 600 million people reside in regions where temperatures exceed the ideal level for human existence. This figure could escalate to 3 billion by the century’s end, according to climate change predictions. Published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, the study highlights that increased airborne particles and allergens resulting from climate-related events, such as wildfires, droughts, and erratic seasons, also significantly impact respiratory disease and perinatal outcomes.

Corey Bradshaw, a global ecologist from Flinders University in Australia, emphasized that climate change could lead to lifelong health complications for millions of children globally.

“We have crunched the data to show how certain types of future weather events will worsen particular medical issues in the population,” he stated.

“We identified many direct links between climate change and child health, the strongest of which was a 60% increased risk on average of preterm birth from exposure to temperature extremes.”

Additional Health Complications Linked to Climate Change:-

The study also identified other health issues, including low birth weight, changes in gestational age, premature membrane rupture, and pregnancy loss.

While temperature extremes ranked as the top factor associated with declining infant health, 16 out of 20 studies on air pollutants indicated that air pollution increased the number of children with respiratory issues. The authors of the study stated, “The children’s health issues we identified depend on weather extremes – cold extremes give rise to respiratory diseases, while drought and extreme rainfall can result in stunted growth for a population.”

“Given that climate influences childhood disease, social and financial costs will continue to rise as climate change progresses, placing increasing pressure on families and health services.”

Researchers highlighted key protective factors against climate change threats to children’s health, including economic stability, access to quality healthcare, adequate infrastructure, and food security.

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