Paediatric Environmental Health in the Era of Climate Change: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as one of the most significant global public health challenges of the twenty-first century, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, particularly children. Paediatric populations are uniquely susceptible to environmental hazards because of their developing physiological systems, higher exposure rates relative to body weight, and limited adaptive capacities. Climate-driven environmental changes—including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, deteriorating air quality, altered infectious disease patterns, food insecurity, and water scarcity—pose substantial risks to child health and development. This review examines the multifaceted impacts of climate change on paediatric environmental health, highlighting major pathways through which environmental exposures influence childhood morbidity and mortality. Particular attention is given to respiratory diseases, heat-related illnesses, vector-borne infections, nutritional deficiencies, mental health disorders, and developmental outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that climate-related environmental stressors may exacerbate existing health inequities, disproportionately affecting children in low-resource settings. Advances in environmental monitoring, epidemiological surveillance, geographic information systems (GIS), and predictive modelling are enhancing the capacity to assess and mitigate paediatric environmental risks. Strengthening climate-resilient healthcare systems, promoting sustainable environmental policies, and integrating paediatric considerations into climate adaptation strategies are essential for safeguarding child health in an increasingly changing world. Keywords: Paediatric environmental health, climate change, child health, environmental exposure, air pollution, heat stress, infectious diseases, food security, mental health, environmental justice.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. JOURNAL FOR STEM CELL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH, 2025 · DOI ↗