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Climate Shocks Harm India's Children: Study Reveals Health Crisis
27 Nov
Summary
- Children in climate-vulnerable Indian districts face 25% higher underweight risk.
- Highly vulnerable districts show poorer health targets, including stunting.
- 38% more non-institutional deliveries occur in climate-vulnerable areas.
Children in Indian districts highly susceptible to climate change face a 25% greater likelihood of being underweight. Districts vulnerable to extreme weather consistently show poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of stunting and challenges in accessing healthcare. This vulnerability extends to a 38% increase in non-institutional deliveries, meaning births outside healthcare facilities.
Researchers analyzed data linking climate vulnerability with health metrics, finding a six to 14 percent higher chance of wasting and stunting in vulnerable districts. The findings underscore that climate change impacts health beyond conventional socio-economic and access factors, particularly in low and middle-income countries like India.
With 80% of India's population in climate-vulnerable areas, progress on Sustainable Development Goals is threatened. Urgent adaptation strategies in healthcare are crucial to ensure desired health and well-being outcomes amidst escalating climate risks. These risks include floods, cyclones, and heatwaves, impacting public health significantly.
