Climate and Health
Our environment is rapidly changing, with shifting climate patterns leaving noticeable impacts. Extreme weather conditions – such as rising temperatures and heat, severe cold spells, and fluctuating rainfall – are exacerbating the causes and effects of various health issues, from asthma and allergies to heart attacks, strokes, and metabolic disorders like diabetes. At Helmholtz Munich, we investigate the complex interplay between climate and human health. By analyzing data from Germany's largest population-based health study, which includes millions of samples, we strive to develop solutions to the significant health challenges posed by climate change.
Our environment is rapidly changing, with shifting climate patterns leaving noticeable impacts. Extreme weather conditions – such as rising temperatures and heat, severe cold spells, and fluctuating rainfall – are exacerbating the causes and effects of various health issues, from asthma and allergies to heart attacks, strokes, and metabolic disorders like diabetes. At Helmholtz Munich, we investigate the complex interplay between climate and human health. By analyzing data from Germany's largest population-based health study, which includes millions of samples, we strive to develop solutions to the significant health challenges posed by climate change.
Climate and climate change affect our environment and health. We explore the intersections between environment and human health and develop solutions for a healthier future.
We Breathe Climate Change: Information Graphics
Further reading
Estimating the excess mortality attributable to heat is a central element of the documentation of the consequences of climate change for human health. Until now, estimates of heat- related deaths in Germany by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) have been based on weekly mortality records. This study is the first to use higher resolution data—i.e. daily all-cause mortality linked to daily mean temperatures—from each of the German federal states to assess the heat-related mortality from 2000 to 2023 in Germany.
Huber V, Breitner-Busch S, He C, Matthies-Wiesler F, Peters A, Schneider A: Heat-related mortality in the extreme summer of 2022—an analysis based on daily data. Dtsch Arztebl Int 2024; 121: 79–85. DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0254
As global temperatures rise, extreme heat events are projected to become more frequent and intense. Extreme heat causes a wide range of health effects, including an overall increase in morbidity and mortality. It is important to note that while there is sufficient epidemiological evidence for heat-related increases in all-cause mortality, evidence on the association between heat and cause-specific deaths such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (and its more specific causes) is limited, with inconsistent findings. Existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of epidemiological studies on heat and CVD mortality have summarized the available evidence. However, the target audience of such reviews is mainly limited to the specific field of environmental epidemiology. This overarching perspective aims to provide health professionals with a comprehensive overview of recent epidemiological evidence of how extreme heat is associated with CVD mortality.
Nidhi Singh, Ashtyn Tracy Areal, Susanne Breitner, Siqi Zhang, Stefan Agewall, Tamara Schikowski and Alexandra Schneider: Heat and Cardiovascular Mortality: An Epidemiological Perspective. 25 Apr 2024, Circulation Research. 2024;134:1098–1112
In June 2019 a consortium of researchers from different disciplines and ten European countries began a journey together in the Horizon2020 climate change and health project EXHAUSTION. The starting point was how the effects of heatwaves, air pollution and a changing climate leads to more heart and lung diseases in Europe, and premature deaths related to these challenges. The aim of the project has been to identify adaptation strategies that will help avoid premature death and disease among vulnerable groups. This includes older people, the chronically ill, and disadvantaged people. The overall goal was to increase European resilience.
As part of the legacy of the project we have developed a white paper including five stand alone chapters which reflects a selection of important findings and results from the project related to the questions above. The paper includes key research and policy recommendations.
Gunnell E. Sandanger et. al: The Exhaustion Project.
Lower air temperatures and cold spells have been linked to higher disease risk, but their short-term impact on myocardial infarction (MI) is not fully understood. This study aimed to examine how these conditions affect MI hospitalization in Sweden. Findings show an increased risk of MI hospitalization 2 to 6 days after exposure to lower temperatures and cold spells.
Ni, W, Stafoggia, M, Zhang, S. et al. Short-Term Effects of Lower Air Temperature and Cold Spells on Myocardial Infarction Hospitalizations in Sweden. JACC. 2024 Sep, 84 (13) 1149–1159. DOI: /10.1016/j.jacc.2024.07.006
Individuals with chronic pulmonary diseases are particularly affected when high temperatures coincide with high levels of air pollution. Heat-related lung problems, such as increased pulmonary load through heat-related hyperventilation together with increased air pollution as well as effects associated with cardiac impairment and pneumonia increase the risk of morbidity and mortality for affected patients during heat waves.
Matthies-Wiesler, N. Nidens, S. Karrasch & A. Schneider: Zeitschrift für Pneumologie Volume 20, March 2023, p. 133-143.
During heat waves, the risk for kidney-related morbidity and mortality increases. Acute kidney injuries, urolithiasis, electrolyte imbalances and urinary tract infections particularly occur. Chronic kidney diseases are also discussed as a possible consequence of climate change. The combination of heat, air pollutants and other environmental factors represents a particular burden for patients with kidney diseases.
N. Nidens et. al: Climate Change up Close: Heat Waves Implications and Prevention, 13. June 2023, Die Nephrologie, p. 203-212.