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Public health impact of global heating due to climate change: potential effects on chronic non-communicable diseases

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International Journal of Public Health

Abstract

Objectives

Several categories of ill health important at the global level are likely to be affected by climate change. To date the focus of this association has been on communicable diseases and injuries. This paper briefly analyzes potential impacts of global climate change on chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Method

We reviewed the limited available evidence of the relationships between climate exposure and chronic and NCDs. We further reviewed likely mechanisms and pathways for climatic influences on chronic disease occurrence and impacts on pre-existing chronic diseases.

Results

There are negative impacts of climatic factors and climate change on some physiological functions and on cardio-vascular and kidney diseases. Chronic disease risks are likely to increase with climate change and related increase in air pollution, malnutrition, and extreme weather events.

Conclusions

There are substantial research gaps in this arena. The health sector has a major role in facilitating further research and monitoring the health impacts of global climate change. Such work will also contribute to global efforts for the prevention and control of chronic NCDs in our ageing and urbanizing global population.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by The Australian National University general facilities and not by any specific research grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia

    Tord Kjellstrom, Ainslie J. Butler & Robyn M. Lucas

  2. University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    Ruth Bonita

Authors
  1. Tord Kjellstrom
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  2. Ainslie J. Butler
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  3. Robyn M. Lucas
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  4. Ruth Bonita
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tord Kjellstrom.

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This paper belongs to the special issue “Climate changes health”.

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Kjellstrom, T., Butler, A.J., Lucas, R.M. et al. Public health impact of global heating due to climate change: potential effects on chronic non-communicable diseases. Int J Public Health 55, 97–103 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-009-0090-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-009-0090-2

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