In many Asian countries vulnerable to climate change, global warming significantly impacts sexual and reproductive health. Natural disasters like floods and heatwaves make life even tougher for those already at risk.
Experts point out that extreme weather not only damages the environment but also puts the health of pregnant women, young girls, newborns, and LGBTQ+ individuals in danger. The World Health Organization emphasizes that climate-related health issues for these groups often go unnoticed, as highlighted in a recent report.
At a recent International Conference on Family Planning, experts noticed an alarming trend: rising temperatures are linked to worse health outcomes for women and infants. They called for more funding to improve sexual and reproductive health services in response.
Dr. Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins from Population Action International noted, “This is an excellent opportunity for the climate and health sectors to work together.”
So, what exactly are these health impacts? Extreme weather events can significantly hinder women and girls from accessing contraception, maternal healthcare, and safe birth settings. This challenge is compounded for vulnerable populations who face social discrimination and gender-based violence.
This year saw record-high heatwaves, typhoons, and crop failures in Asia. Research links these conditions to a rise in pre-term births, stillbirths, and complications during pregnancy. Climate Central, a group of climate scientists, found that from 2020 to 2024, nearly one in three countries experienced an additional month of extreme heat, a condition that can be harmful to pregnancies.
Moreover, typhoons and flooding disrupt access to healthcare services, leading to poorer quality of care. This cycle makes it clear: climate change challenges not just the health of our planet but also the health of its people, especially the most vulnerable.
As the climate crisis escalates, understanding and addressing its impacts on reproductive health has never been more urgent. The data shows that we’re running out of time, and we need both awareness and action to safeguard the health of future generations.
