Climate Change and Your Health: Understanding the Unfolding Public Health Crisis

Climate change isn’t just an environmental challenge; it poses significant risks to human health. Research shows that our well-being is closely linked to changing climate conditions. Solutions exist, but we need collective action to safeguard communities.

According to the World Health Organization, about half of the global population lives in areas vulnerable to climate change. From now until 2050, it’s predicted that climate change could cause an extra 250,000 deaths yearly. The economic impact is staggering, with potential losses amounting to $12.5 trillion and $1.1 trillion in extra healthcare costs by 2050, as reported by the World Economic Forum.

Climate change creates a pathway for various health issues. For instance, heavy rainfall can lead to floods, contaminating water supplies and increasing the spread of diseases like cholera and typhoid. In Indonesia, flood-related disasters have peaked dramatically, rising from 492 incidents in 2008 to 1,299 in 2023. This surge exposes millions to water-borne illnesses.

In regions affected by floods, the risk of visiting healthcare facilities increases by 0.2%, and the likelihood of contracting water-borne diseases is also heightened. In 2022, floods impacted 405 regencies in Indonesia, causing an estimated 289,093 additional cases of these diseases, costing around $28.7 million in direct medical expenses. The real costs might be even higher when considering lost productivity and long-term health effects.

In Sri Lanka, districts that faced flooding reported four times the rate of leptospirosis—a serious infection compared to areas that did not flood. Even small changes in rainfall can significantly affect disease rates. Studies indicate that each additional centimeter of rain leads to three more cases of dengue fever. As climate conditions evolve, diseases like malaria and dengue are increasingly being reported in new areas.

Children, especially those under five, are at the greatest risk. Their immune systems are still developing, and access to clean water is often limited. The United Nations estimates that diseases like diarrhoea and malaria contribute to 13% of child mortality globally. In India, those in high-risk areas are significantly more susceptible to these diseases.

Distinct factors play a role in the prevalence of malaria and diarrhoea. For instance, children from educated households tend to have lower rates of malaria, while improved sanitation correlates with lower diarrhoea rates. Access to clean water remains crucial; areas with poor water quality see a 25% increase in malaria risk. Interestingly, 94% of India’s population now has access to improved drinking water—a positive step forward.

The connection between climate change and health is evident. While the challenges are daunting, there are pathways to improve public health in the face of climate risks:

• Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Communities need investments in health infrastructure. This includes creating resilient healthcare facilities that can withstand climate impacts.
• Improving Transportation: Better road networks reduce travel time to healthcare services, especially in rural areas where access is critical.
• Addressing Gender Disparities: Women often face higher exposure to diseases due to their roles in water collection and caregiving. Empowering women can enhance disaster preparedness and health outcomes.

Ultimately, climate change and health are interlinked. Recognizing this connection and taking action is essential for a healthier future. By focusing on infrastructure, community support, and effective policies, we can reduce risks and protect our health as the climate continues to change.

This article is adapted from the report Asian Infrastructure Finance 2025: Infrastructure for Planetary Health.

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water and vector borne diseases, health infrastructure, disaster resilience, child health, water quality, dengue fever, malaria, diarrhoea, flood impact, healthcare access, gender disparities, environmental health, planetary health, climate adaptation, Sri Lanka, leptospirosis, groundwater quality,