children s health
Newsletter
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Fossil fuel emissions disrupt education worldwide
Rising global temperatures, driven by fossil fuel use, are causing widespread school closures, threatening education progress for millions of children.
In short:
- Extreme heat has led to significant school closures in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines, affecting millions of students.
- Children today experience far more extreme heat days than previous generations, with those in low-income countries most affected.
- Climate change is projected to worsen these disruptions, with children in vulnerable regions facing the greatest educational setbacks.
Key quote:
“We are deeply concerned that the number of extreme heat days is going to indirectly lead to learning loss.”
— Lily Caprani, chief of advocacy for Unicef.
Why this matters:
The educational progress made in recent decades is at risk, particularly in the world's most climate-vulnerable regions. Without significant adaptation and mitigation efforts, millions of children could be deprived of their right to education.
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Air pollution kills nearly 2,000 children daily worldwide: Study
A recent study reveals that air pollution is now the second leading cause of death among children under five globally, overtaking poor sanitation and lack of clean water.
In short:
- More than 8 million deaths in 2021 were due to air pollution, with children and low-income countries hit hardest.
- PM2.5 particles, primarily responsible for air pollution deaths, are linked to lung disease, heart disease, and other serious health issues.
- Climate change exacerbates air pollution, with higher temperatures and wildfires increasing particulate matter in the air.
Key quote:
"Our inaction is having profound effects on the next generation, with lifelong health and wellbeing impacts."
— Kitty van der Heijden, deputy executive director of Unicef
Why this matters:
Addressing air pollution is crucial for improving global health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable children in low-income countries. Addressing this issue can dramatically improve health outcomes and combat climate change. Read more: Breathless: Pittsburgh's asthma epidemic and the fight to stop it.
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Extreme heat poses serious health risks to children, experts warn
With record-breaking heat waves sweeping the nation, researchers are highlighting the unique dangers that extreme temperatures pose to children.
In short:
- Children’s bodies process heat differently than adults, with less ability to sweat and more rapid overheating.
- Extreme heat can impact children's learning, sleep, and mental health, leading to long-term health issues.
- Public health experts advise keeping children hydrated, dressed in loose clothing, and never leaving them in hot vehicles.
Key quote:
"Children are not little adults. Children and infants, especially the way that their bodies work, is different. Infants do not have the same ability to sweat. The way that their lungs work, the way that their heart pumps blood, all of those things—their bodies respond in a different way to heat."
— Mattie Wolf, neonatologist at Emory University’s School of Medicine
Why this matters:
Children are more vulnerable to heat-related health issues, which can lead to severe conditions like muscle breakdown and kidney failure. Extreme heat can have indirect effects on children's health and well-being. School closures, limited outdoor playtime, and disrupted routines can affect their physical activity and mental health. This is especially concerning as kids need regular exercise for their development, and staying indoors often leads to increased screen time, which comes with its own set of health risks.
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Rising heat waves pose increasing risk of preterm births
Extreme heat significantly raises the risk of preterm births, with severe impacts on marginalized communities.
Virginia Gewin reports for Grist. This article is part of a series in partnership with Vox and The 19th.
In short:
- Research indicates that high temperatures correlate with increased rates of preterm births, particularly affecting Black mothers.
- Global climate change intensifies heat waves, exacerbating maternal health disparities and increasing risks of pregnancy complications.
- Systemic racism and inadequate access to healthcare and green spaces amplify these health risks in marginalized communities.
Why this matters:
As climate change worsens, extreme heat will increasingly threaten maternal and fetal health, especially in vulnerable populations. For expectant mothers, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration and increased core body temperature, both of which are stressors that may trigger preterm labor. Babies born prematurely face a higher risk of complications, including respiratory issues, developmental delays, and long-term health problems.
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More schools in cooler climates now need costly air conditioning
As heat waves move north, schools that once didn’t need air conditioning are now facing high costs to keep classrooms cool.
Anna Phillips and Veronica Penney report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Many schools built before the 1970s are struggling with higher temperatures due to climate change.
- The estimated cost to install air conditioning in affected schools exceeds $40 billion.
- School districts are struggling to secure funding for necessary upgrades.
Key quote:
“We have had situations where it’s been 88 degrees outside but the real feel in the classrooms is well over 90 degrees because of the humidity.”
— Shari Obrenski, president of the Cleveland Teachers Union
Why this matters:
Rising temperatures can disrupt education and pose health risks to students and staff. Without adequate cooling, schools may experience more closures, affecting academic performance and well-being. The situation is particularly challenging for low-income districts that may lack the resources to make these necessary upgrades.
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Wildfires and heat waves linked to an increased risk for preterm birth
Pregnant Californians exposed to extreme climate events like wildfires and heat waves were at a higher risk for giving birth early, according to a new study published in Environmental Research.
In short:
- Exposure to wildfires was associated with an increased chance of preterm birth. The same was true for days with unusually high temperatures.
- This association was much stronger when exposure to both wildfires and heat waves occurred simultaneously.
- The risk for preterm birth was strongest for Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American study participants in comparison to White participants.
Key quote:
“Given the increasingly frequent occurrence and co-occurrence of these climate related events, pregnant people and their growing fetuses should be consistently in the front of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.”
Why this matters:
As climate change continues to impact global weather patterns, heat waves and wildfires have become increasingly intense and frequent. Environmental hazards that affect the health of pregnant people and their children can have long-term and severe outcomes, such as harm to babies’ respiratory, neurological, and cardiometabolic development. The authors of this study point to the need to recognize pregnancy as a vulnerable period in order to encourage regulatory action that better protects parents and their children.
Related EHN coverage:
- American Heart Association: Children must be protected from health threats of environmental toxics
- Op-ed: How climate change harms pregnant people and their babies
More resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Wildfire smoke and pregnancy
- California Air Resources Board:Smoke ready California
- Yale Climate Connections: Extreme heat makes pregnancy more dangerous
Ha, Sandie et al. for Environmental Research vol. 252, 4. July 1, 2024
Science summaries are produced by the EHS science team, including HEEDS.
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Long-term health impacts of early smoke exposure explored through primate study
A primate research center in California provides insights into the lifelong health consequences of early exposure to wildfire smoke.
In short:
- In 2008, wildfire smoke from Northern California engulfed the California National Primate Research Center, affecting newborn monkeys.
- These monkeys displayed weaker immune responses initially, but as they aged, they developed more aggressive immune systems and sustained lung damage.
- The study, unique due to its control conditions, suggests potential long-term health risks for humans from early smoke exposure.
Key quote:
“It’s this first year of life, this really early window of development for humans that is so critical for imprinting long-term health. If you can control the environment during this window of time, you might set the stage for a longer, healthier life in the future.”
— Lisa Miller, associate director of research, California National Primate Research Center.
Why this matters:
Understanding the long-term health impacts of wildfire smoke on young primates offers crucial insights into similar risks in humans, potentially influencing public health strategies and environmental policies. Read more: Carlos Gould on wildfire smoke and our health.
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