Global warming and the increase in the frequency of extreme events have consequences on human health, but also on their fertility.
- According to the World Health Organization, climate change could lead to nearly 250,000 additional deaths per year, between 2030 and 2050.
- Infertility is defined by the impossibility of achieving pregnancy after twelve months of regular sexual intercourse.
“Climate change is the greatest health threat facing humanity.”warns theWorld Health Organization. Extreme weather events, such as heat waves or storms, risk increasing deaths, but climate change will also have health consequences: increase in zoonoses, food infections, etc. In the review Fertility and Sterilityscientists warn of another risk, that of a decrease in the fertility of future generations.
The effects of climate change on health are transmitted between generations
“We can already see the effects of climate on reproductive health and we are only at the beginning of projected declines, linked to global warming and increased frequency of extreme events“, explain Pauline Mendola and Sandie Ha, the two authors of this study. According to them, the parents, in less good health, will give birth to an offspring also in less good health, and therefore more likely to suffer from disorders of the fertility.”When weather-related events become more frequent and intense, we have evidence to suggest that their health effects accumulate throughout the lifetime of parents.says Pauline Mendola. What is even more concerning is that these health impacts can cause a repetitive intergenerational cycle and amplify from one generation to the next.“
What are the consequences of global warming on fertility?
According to scientists, health problems related to global warming can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes. “Parents who already face the stress of infertility and treatment will bear the added burden of climate-related constraints“, adds Sandie Ha. But all people with the desire to procreate will be affected.”Even for parents who can conceive without medical assistance, weather-related events can put them at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage and preterm delivery.” they specify. Scientists estimate that people with the fewest resources, who contribute the least to climate change, will experience a “burden disproportionate“.”For example, the highest rates of hypertension during pregnancy occur in disadvantaged populations, who often have less access to care, further complicating their risk of heart failure, stroke, and other heart diseases. in addition to increasing the health risks of their offspring”they say.
The climate and its disturbances will also have indirect consequences for parents. It may “make depression and other mental health problems worse“, in a context where individuals will lose loved ones, where infrastructure will be disrupted and where food insecurity is expected to become widespread. The authors note that few individuals are aware of the consequences of climate change on human health. and fertility, yet they believe a paradigm shift is needed.”We need to think beyond the immediate goal of a healthy baby in our arms and address the long-term implications of climate change on reproductive health“, they warn.
