As the planet warms, women pay the price: the climate change and reproductive health crisis.

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as a global environmental issue exacerbated by human activities. Specifically, greenhouse gas emissions and land-use changes have contributed to rising global surface temperatures and shifting weather patterns. These changes disrupt environmental and ecosystem balance, directly impacting human health. Worldwide, 3.6 billion people live in regions vulnerable to climate change, and it is projected that between 2030 and 2050, an additional 250,000 deaths annually will occur due to climate change-induced malnutrition, malaria, and diarrheal diseases. The health impacts of climate change vary between genders depending on biological, geographical, and socioeconomic factors, with women experiencing more severe negative effects. Reproductive health is significantly affected by rising temperatures, air pollution, extreme weather events, and changing meteorological conditions. Adverse reproductive outcomes (e.g., low birth weight, preterm birth, and congenital anomalies) are more frequently observed in women. Furthermore, climate change exacerbates hot flashes, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and intensifies mental health disorders in postmenopausal women. Climate change has emerged as a global environmental issue exacerbated by human activities. Specifically, greenhouse gas emissions and land-use changes have contributed to rising global surface temperatures and shifting weather patterns. These changes disrupt environmental and ecosystem balance, directly impacting human health. Worldwide, 3.6 billion people live in regions vulnerable to climate change, and it is projected that between 2030 and 2050, an additional 250,000 deaths annually will occur due to climate change-induced malnutrition, malaria, and diarrheal diseases. The health impacts of climate change vary between genders depending on biological, geographical, and socioeconomic factors, with women experiencing more severe negative effects. Reproductive health is significantly affected by rising temperatures, air pollution, extreme weather events, and changing meteorological conditions. Adverse reproductive outcomes (e.g., low birth weight, preterm birth, and congenital anomalies) are more frequently observed in women. Furthermore, climate change exacerbates hot flashes, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and intensifies mental health disorders in postmenopausal women. However, current literature remains limited in addressing the specific effects of climate change on women's health in low- and middle-income countries, as well as its influence during the menopausal period. Further research is needed to explore the intersection of climate change and socioeconomic disparities, particularly in vulnerable populations. Large-scale longitudinal studies focusing on region-specific risks and health outcomes are essential to develop targeted interventions and policies.