The climate crisis is increasing the risk of miscarriage and birth complications, report finds
The climate crisis is having a dramatic impact on the health of pregnant women, foetuses and newborns, causing more miscarriages and preterm births – and these issues are currently a 'blind spot' in action plans for countries to reduce the impact of and adapt to climate change, a new report from leading scientists has found.
'The increasing risks of illness and harm for pregnant women and foetuses and newborns, driven by climate change, are threatening a reversal in the progress made in recent decades in maternal and reproductive health,' the document, which is aimed at leaders who will attend November's Cop29 climate summit, reads.
The team of experts, who work over climate, natural and social science, also highlighted that factors including surging global temperatures and rapidly warming oceans 'could push parts of our planet beyond habitable limits.'
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Increasingly extreme global weather is causing more pregnancy loss, premature births and and cognitive impacts to newborns, the report states. Researchers analysing women in Southern California, for example, found 'significant associations' between long-term heat exposure and increases in serious birth complications, including premature and stillbirth.
In India, meanwhile, a study of 800 pregnant women found a doubled risk of miscarriage in those suffering heat stress. And research from over 33 countries in South and Central America, Asia, and Africa estimated that flooding – linked to climate change – 'may be responsible for over 107,000 pregnancy losses each year in these regions,' with the risk being higher for poorer and less educated women.
Despite this, only 27 out of 199 climate action plans submitted to the UN include mention of taking action to keep pregnant women and babies safe – making this a 'blind spot', according to the report's authors. 'Mothers and newborns deserve protection – climate solutions must include their voices,' report co-author and Associate Professor at Africa International University Adelaide Lusambili told Women's Health.
'This report confirms that the world faces planetary scale challenges, from the rise of methane emissions to the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. It shows that rising heat, ocean instability and a tipping of the Amazon Rainforest could push parts of our planet beyond habitable limits. Yet, it also provides clear pathways and solutions, demonstrating that with urgent, decisive action, we still can avoid unmanageable outcomes,' said Prof. Johan Rockström, co-chair of The Earth League, one of the organisations involved with the report.
'Ignoring citizens’ readiness and needs when designing and implementing climate policies will ultimately lead to many missed opportunities in the near term through undermined and ineffective climate policy. According to the IPCC, 40% of the world are already highly vulnerable to the ever-rising global temperatures. Policymaking in every country must be inclusive and carefully navigate a variety of socio-economic factors, to enhance policy acceptability,' said Prof. Joyashree Roy at the Asian Institute of Technology.
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