Global warming increases risk of preterm birth by 60% – study

Global warming increases the risk of preterm birth by 60%

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Climate change, particularly extreme temperatures, is increasing the number of babies born prematurely.

This is stated in a study by an Australian group of scientists, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, writes Science Alert.

The effects of global warming, such as wildfires, droughts and irregular seasons, also increase the amount of allergens and dust in the air. This, in turn, has a significant impact on respiratory diseases.

“We found many direct links between climate change and child health, the strongest of which was an average 60% increase in the risk of preterm birth due to exposure to extreme temperatures “, said global ecologist Corey Bradshaw from Flinders University in Australia.

The scientists also analyzed 163 studies from around the world that related to the impact of global warming on the health of infants.

In 39 of them, scientists found a connection between changes in temperature and perinatal features: low birth weight, changes in gestational age (the age of the fetus in terms of the duration of pregnancy in weeks), premature rupture of the fetal membrane and even pregnancy loss.

Although extreme temperatures have the greatest impact on the health of infants, 16 of the 20 studies focused on the effects of air pollutants and the development of respiratory diseases.

For example, at least 7 different studies have shown that increases in the concentration of particulate matter in the air coincided with an increase in the number of children who developed respiratory problems. 4 studies specifically looked at air pollution from wildfire smoke.

“Children’s health problems we found depend on extreme weather conditions – extreme cold causes respiratory illnesses, while drought and extreme rainfall can stunt population growth.

Given the impact of climate on childhood disease, social and financial costs will continue to rise as climate change progresses, placing increasing pressure on families and health services“, the authors of the study note.

Studies have more often covered developed countries, so the real situation may be much worse, scientists say. They explain: in countries with middle and low income levels, children are less protected from the effects of climate change.

“Climate change is universal and affects all countries and people, and we must prepare societies for the growing threats to children’s health.

If we are to protect children now and in the future, we need to develop health policies to combat climate-related diseases and focus efforts on reducing anthropogenic climate change”, says medical scientist Lewis Weeda from the University of Western Australia.