In January this year, the World Economic Forum (WEF) published a report titled ‘Quantifying the Impact of Climate Change on Human Health’. The report concludes that by 2050, climate change is projected to impose immense strain on global healthcare systems, leading to 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses. These numbers indicate that while the health consequences of climate change are widely discussed, the specific impacts on healthcare systems receive far less attention.
Climate change represents one of the most significant challenges facing humanity today, and its repercussions extend far beyond environmental degradation. The healthcare sector is particularly vulnerable to the myriad effects of climate change, with consequences that can impact public health, healthcare delivery, and health systems at large. From the rise in heat-related illnesses to the increased prevalence of vector-borne diseases, the healthcare landscape is being reshaped by the ongoing climate crisis. This growing urgency highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of how climate change affects not only individual health but also the structures that are designed to protect and promote health on a population level.
Extreme weather events exacerbate healthcare inequalities
One of the most immediate consequences of climate change is increased health risks linked to environmental changes. Rising temperatures contribute to various health issues, including heat-related illnesses, respiratory disorders from increased air pollution, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. For instance, warmer climates can expand the habitats of mosquitoes, increasing the incidence of diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
Moreover, extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires not only directly cause injuries and fatalities but also lead to long-term health effects, including mental health issues stemming from trauma and displacement. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, face heightened risks, exacerbating existing health disparities. The WEF report estimates that 7.1 trillion dollars of productivity could be lost by 2050 due to heat waves.
By 2030, it is estimated that up to 118 million extremely poor people living on less than US$ 1.90 per day will face heightened exposure to drought, floods, and extreme heat across Africa. This alarming statistic underscores marginalised populations’ vulnerability to climate change’s impacts. Meanwhile, according to a report by the World Meteorological Organization, Asia was the most disaster-affected region in 2023, grappling with various weather, climate, and water-related hazards. These challenges are not confined to developing regions; nearly 40 per cent of the lower 48 states in the United States and 17 per cent of the population in Europe are currently experiencing drought conditions, which pose severe threats to food and water security.
This convergence of extreme weather events and socioeconomic vulnerability highlights the urgent need for comprehensive climate adaptation strategies. In fact, this will put undue pressure on healthcare systems globally.
The strain on healthcare systems
In September 2005, during Hurricane Katrina, Memorial Hospital in New Orleans faced catastrophic challenges, losing power and running water while flooding overwhelmed its facilities. In the chaotic aftermath of the hurricane, the city’s fragile infrastructure ultimately failed, severely impacting hospitals and other institutions responsible for caring for vulnerable populations, including nursing homes and jails. Approximately two dozen hospitals evacuated patients due to losing essential services such as power, water, and sewage management. This is a great case study to illustrate how the ramifications of climate change extend into the operational realms of healthcare systems, which are often ill-equipped to cope with the increased demand for services. As seen above, natural disasters can disrupt healthcare infrastructure, leading to service interruptions and facility damage.
The increasing prevalence of climate-related health issues also places a substantial burden on healthcare resources. Hospitals and clinics may need help managing the influx of patients suffering from climate-induced conditions, leading to overcrowding and longer wait times. This strain can diminish the quality of care and challenge the ability of healthcare providers to respond effectively to public health emergencies. A 2023 study by Sabah Al-Mrwani, published in the ‘Bulletin of the National Research Centre’, highlighted that extreme climatic events, such as storms and floods, can severely damage healthcare infrastructure. This destruction compromises the quality and availability of healthcare services. Additionally, these events disrupt supply chains, communication, and transportation, further impairing service delivery and resulting in employee shortages.
The study also addresses how climate change will increasingly make cancer detection and management difficult. Climate change is likely to indirectly impact HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections, which are considered a risk factor for cervical cancer. Extreme weather events, like natural disasters, can disrupt HPV screening, early diagnosis, and vaccination efforts. This is especially concerning in low and middle-income countries, where cervical cancer rates are highest. Additionally, radiation oncology services often cannot operate on backup generators. As a result, power outages caused by severe events or intentional power supply interruptions can disrupt or delay cancer treatment. Furthermore, there is also a growing concern about the emergence of new diseases linked to climate change, along with an increased spread of pathogens that contribute to illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
In the future, given the profound impact of climate change on health, there is an urgent need for adaptive strategies within healthcare systems. Health organisations including nonprofits like Smile Foundation prioritise climate resilience by integrating climate considerations into health planning and decision-making. This also includes investing in infrastructure improvements, such as building hospitals that can withstand extreme weather events and ensuring that health facilities have the necessary resources to handle climate-related health crises.
