Exploring the Health Impacts of Climate Change on Children: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Climate change is a global phenomenon characterized by alterations in temperature, rainfall patterns, sea level rise, and an increase in extreme weather events, all of which can significantly impact human health, particularly in children. Children are considered a vulnerable population due to their developing physiology and dependence on caregivers. This study aims to identify the effects of climate change on child health. This study employed a scoping review design with a systematic search method using the databases ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and ProQuest. Keywords were developed based on the PCC framework and combined using Boolean operators: “climate change AND pediatric AND health impact.” Inclusion criteria included articles published within the last five years, focusing on children and climate change-related health impact, available in full text English. The article screening process followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The findings indicate that climate change adversely affects children's health, including: 1) Extreme heat contributing to malnutrition; skin, respiratory, food, and general allergies; mental health issues; and respiratory diseases. 2) Drought associated with diarrhea and malnutrition. 3) Temperature changes, humidity, and air pollution linked to respiratory diseases. Climate change significantly increases children’s risk of adverse health outcomes, including malnutrition, diarrhea, respiratory diseases, allergies, and mental health problems. Strengthening preventive strategies, early monitoring, and health system capacity is essential to mitigate these impacts. Further research is needed to support evidance-based interventions and policies to protect children’s health. 

Keywords: climate change, health impact, pediatric