How climate change makes lung problems worse for the young, old and vulnerable – experts sound the alarm

Heatwaves and wildfires increase particles in the air, while floods add to humidity, making mould worse. Climate change aggravates all those problems

Lower greenhouse gas emissions and lower limits on air pollution are needed urgently to protect people such as those suffering with asthma or COPD, experts say

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Climate change is driving extreme weather events and wildfires that increase air pollution, says a report. People with lung conditions will experience worse symptoms, and some will die, an author of the report tells the Post. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 6:15pm, 26 Sep 2023

Respiratory health experts are calling urgently for lower limits on air pollution, as a report reveals that people with lung conditions including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face heightened risks from climate change.

The expert report, published in the European Respiratory Journal, compiles evidence detailing how the effects of climate change – such as from heatwaves, wildfires, and flooding – will intensify breathing difficulties for millions globally, and have a particularly severe impact on babies, young children, and the elderly.

The authors, on behalf of the European Respiratory Society, which represents more than 30,000 lung specialists from 160 countries, are calling on the European Parliament and governments around the world to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate effects of climate change.

“Climate change affects everyone’s health, but arguably, respiratory patients are among the most vulnerable. These are people who already experience breathing difficulties and they are far more sensitive to our changing climate,” said Zorana Jovanovic Andersen, professor of environmental epidemiology at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, who was an author of the report.

Respiratory patients are among the most vulnerable when it comes to air pollution, says Professor Zorana Jovanovic Andersen, an author of the recent report. Photo: Professor Zorana Jovanovic Andersen

“Their symptoms will become worse, and for some, this will be fatal. Air pollution is already damaging our lungs. Now the effects of climate change are becoming a major threat to respiratory patients.”