Climate change impacts on respiratory health: exposure, vulnerability, and risk

Anthropogenic climate change adversely impacts human health. In this perspective, we examine the impact of climate change on respiratory health risk. We describe five respiratory health threats-heat, wildfires, pollen, extreme weather events, and viruses-and discuss their impact on health outcomes in a warming climate. The risk of experiencing an adverse health outcome occurs at the intersection of exposure and vulnerability, consisting of sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Exposed individuals and communities most at risk are those with high sensitivity and low adaptive capacity, as influenced by the social determinants of health. We call for the implementation of a transdisciplinary strategy for accelerating respiratory health research, practice, and policy in the context of climate change.

Automated summary

Anthropogenic climate change has a negative impact on human health, particularly respiratory health. This article examines the effects of climate change on respiratory health risks, including heat, wildfires, pollen, extreme weather events, and viruses. The intersection of exposure and vulnerability, influenced by social determinants of health, determines the risk of adverse health outcomes. The authors call for a transdisciplinary approach to accelerate research, practice, and policy development for respiratory health in the context of climate change.