Scoping review on assessing climate-sensitive health risks.

Journal: BMC public health

Volume: 25

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 2025

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia. chalachewyenew@gmail.com. Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia. Depatment of Public Health, College of Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia. Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia. Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia. Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia. Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia. Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia. Department of Medical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Abstract summary 

Climate change is making the existing health problems worse and also introducing new health problem and therefore calls for a wider evaluation of climate sensitive global diseases. The review sought to assess and collate quantitative and qualitative evidence on the effects of climate change on global health, more specifically, infectious and respiratory diseases, the impacts of extreme weather events as well as the implications for mental health with the view of establishing appropriate sustainable and resilience public health measures and policies.A scoping review of observational studies carried out between the years 2000 and 2024, synthesized information on climate-sensitive health outcomes: infectious diseases, severe weather events, and mental illnesses. This analysis was based on data from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library, where appropriate, utilizing meta-extraction and Meta-analysis techniques.A total of 3077 studies were screened, and 96 articles were included for quantitative and qualitative analysis, highlighting the significant health risks posed by climate change. Key areas of concern identified include climate-sensitive infectious diseases, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, food- and water-borne illnesses, and mental health effects. Rising temperatures and variable rainfall patterns increase the incidence of diseases like malaria (up to 50%) and dengue (8-10% per 1 °C rise). Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, contribute to a 30% rise in respiratory diseases and a 25% increase in cardiovascular conditions. Food- and water-borne illnesses are more prevalent in regions like Africa (30-40%) due to climate change. Additionally, climate change exacerbates mental health issues, leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.Climate change amplifies global public health risks, worsening diseases and creating new challenges. To address this, enhance machine learning climate sensitive disease surveillance, strengthen climate resilience health infrastructure, and integrate health into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, promote sustainable agriculture, improve WASH infrastructure, and foster global collaboration.

Authors & Co-authors:  Yenew Chalachew C Bayeh Gashaw Melkie GM Gebeyehu Asaye Alamneh AA Enawgaw Anley Shiferaw AS Asmare Zufan Alamrie ZA Ejigu Amare Genetu AG Tsega Tilahun Degu TD Temesgen Abathun A Anteneh Rahel Mulatie RM Yigzaw Zeamanuel Anteneh ZA Yirdaw Getasew G Tsega Sintayehu Simie SS Ahmed Ahmed Fentaw AF Yeshiwas Almaw Genet AG

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Gould S, Rudolph L. Challenges and opportunities for advancing work on climate change and public health. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015;12(12):15649–72.
Authors :  14
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1186/s12889-025-22148-x
SSN : 1471-2458
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
Climate change;Extreme weather events;Infectious diseases;Mental health;Respiratory and cardiovascular conditions
Study Design
Study Approach
Quantitative,Qualitative
Country of Study
Publication Country
England