Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss Impact Children’s Health

The health of children worldwide is increasingly threatened by climate change and biodiversity loss. A recent review published in the journal *Nature* synthesises existing literature to highlight the deep effects these issues have on paediatric health. The study reveals that biodiversity has declined sharply, with a staggering 69 per cent decrease in monitored wildlife populations globally since 1970. This decline not only disrupts ecosystems but also exacerbates health risks for children.

Impact of Biodiversity Loss on Immune Systems

Biodiversity loss diminishes microbial diversity, which is crucial for immune regulation in children. Exposure to a variety of microorganisms helps strengthen children’s immune systems. This exposure has been linked to a reduction in allergies and inflammatory disorders. Without this microbial diversity, children become more susceptible to various health issues.

Green Spaces and Mental Health

Access to green spaces is vital for children’s mental health and cognitive development. Studies show that contact with nature benefits attention, mood, and overall mental well-being. Children with conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anxiety particularly benefit from these environments. Conversely, a lack of green spaces correlates with higher obesity rates and physical inactivity among children.

Risks from Heatwaves and Flooding

Climate change intensifies heatwaves and flooding, posing severe risks to children. UNICEF reports that 820 million children are highly exposed to extreme heat, leading to health issues like heat stroke and dehydration. Flooding increases the risk of waterborne diseases and malnutrition, further endangering children’s health.

Vector-Borne Diseases and Vulnerability

A warming climate expands the geographic reach of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue. Approximately 600 million children are at high risk for these infections. Given that children’s immune systems are still developing, they are particularly vulnerable to these diseases.

Air Pollution and Respiratory Illnesses

Air pollution, closely linked to biodiversity loss, affects around 2 billion children globally. It is contributor to respiratory illnesses, including asthma. The World Health Organization attributes 1.5 million child deaths annually to air and water pollution, underscoring the critical need for action.

Biodiversity and Medical Innovation

Biodiversity is essential for medical advancements. Many medicines are derived from natural sources. The loss of biodiversity threatens the availability of these resources, complicating efforts to combat diseases like malaria. In 2023, malaria caused 597,000 deaths worldwide, with proportion among children under five in Africa.

Child Rights Crisis

The review marks that the issues of biodiversity loss and climate change are not merely environmental concerns; they represent a crisis for child rights. In August 2023, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child reaffirmed the right of children to a clean and sustainable environment, calling for urgent action to safeguard their future.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the relationship between biodiversity loss and children’s health outcomes.
2. Examine the impact of climate change on the prevalence of vector-borne diseases among vulnerable populations.
3. Analyse the significance of green spaces in urban planning for child development and health.
4. Estimate the long-term effects of air pollution on children’s respiratory health and overall well-being.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the relationship between biodiversity loss and children’s health outcomes.

1. Biodiversity loss reduces microbial diversity, impairing immune system development in children.
2. Exposure to diverse microorganisms is linked to lower rates of allergies and inflammatory disorders.
3. Loss of biodiversity impacts ecosystem services that contribute to children’s health, such as clean air and water.
4. Decreased biodiversity correlates with higher rates of vector-borne diseases affecting children.
5. Overall, biodiversity loss exacerbates existing health disparities among children, particularly in vulnerable communities.

2. Examine the impact of climate change on the prevalence of vector-borne diseases among vulnerable populations.

1. Climate change expands the habitats of vectors like mosquitoes, increasing disease transmission rates.
2. Approximately 600 million children are at heightened risk for diseases like malaria and dengue due to climate change.
3. Children’s developing immune systems make them more susceptible to infections compared to adults.
4. Extreme weather events increase the incidence of waterborne diseases, compounding health risks.
5. Vulnerable populations, particularly in low-income areas, face greater exposure and limited access to healthcare resources.

3. Analyse the significance of green spaces in urban planning for child development and health.

1. Access to green spaces is linked to improved mental health and cognitive development in children.
2. Nature exposure benefits attention, mood, and reduces symptoms in children with ADHD and anxiety.
3. Proximity to parks enhances physical activity, reducing obesity rates among children.
4. Green spaces contribute to better respiratory health by improving air quality and reducing pollution exposure.
5. Urban planning that incorporates green spaces promotes overall well-being and resilience in children.

4. Estimate the long-term effects of air pollution on children’s respiratory health and overall well-being.

1. Air pollution is a leading cause of respiratory illnesses, including asthma, affecting 2 billion children globally.
2. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases and reduced lung function in children.
3. Children exposed to high pollution levels are at increased risk of developmental delays and cognitive impairments.
4. WHO attributes 1.5 million child deaths annually to air and water pollution, denoting urgent health risks.
5. Addressing air pollution is crucial for improving children’s health outcomes and ensuring their right to a healthy environment.