Climate change is not just about rising temperatures or melting glaciers—it's also making it harder to breathe. From increased air pollution to longer allergy seasons, the warming planet is impacting the quality of the air we breathe, and it’s taking a significant toll on respiratory health. As the Earth's climate continues to shift, more people, especially children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are feeling the effects on their lungs.

Rising temperatures and worsening air quality are harming respiratory health in 2024. Learn how climate change is impacting your lungs and what can be done to reduce the risks. How Does Climate Change Affect Respiratory Health?

1. Worsening Air Quality and Pollution

One of the most direct ways climate change is affecting our ability to breathe is through worsening air quality. As global temperatures rise, air pollutants like ground-level ozone and particulate matter become more concentrated in the atmosphere. Both of these pollutants are harmful to respiratory health, especially for those with asthma, bronchitis, or other chronic lung diseases.

Ground-level ozone, often referred to as "smog," forms when pollutants from cars, factories, and other sources interact with sunlight. Higher temperatures accelerate this chemical reaction, leading to more ozone formation. When inhaled, ozone irritates the lining of the lungs, causing inflammation and leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For people with asthma, this can trigger dangerous attacks and worsen their condition over time.

Particulate matter (PM2.5) is another major pollutant that is on the rise due to climate change. These tiny particles are released into the air from sources like wildfires, industrial activities, and vehicle emissions. PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing a range of health problems, including respiratory infections, reduced lung function, and increased risk of heart disease.

2. Heatwaves: A Breeding Ground for Respiratory Illness

Climate change is also increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, which have a direct impact on respiratory health. During heatwaves, the air tends to stagnate, trapping pollutants close to the ground. This creates a dangerous combination of high heat and poor air quality, which can be especially harmful to individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

High temperatures also increase the demand for energy, leading to more burning of fossil fuels for electricity. This, in turn, increases the amount of air pollution in the atmosphere, further exacerbating respiratory problems. For those who are already vulnerable—such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues—the combination of extreme heat and poor air quality can be life-threatening.

3. Wildfires and Smoke: A Growing Threat

As climate change leads to hotter, drier conditions in many parts of the world, wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense. Wildfire smoke is filled with harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Breathing in this smoke can cause immediate respiratory symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and throat irritation, and it can also worsen chronic lung conditions like asthma and COPD.

For people living near wildfire-prone areas, prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to more severe health effects, including lung infections and decreased lung function. Even those far from the flames are not safe—wildfire smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, affecting air quality across entire regions. This means that even people living in urban areas far from the fires can experience the harmful effects of smoke on their respiratory health.

4. Longer Allergy Seasons: Climate Change and Respiratory Allergies

In addition to worsening air pollution and increasing wildfires, climate change is also extending the length of allergy seasons, making it harder for people with respiratory allergies to breathe comfortably. Rising temperatures are causing plants to bloom earlier and continue producing pollen later into the year, leading to longer and more intense allergy seasons.

For those with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or asthma, this means more time spent suffering from symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and difficulty breathing. Ragweed, a common allergen, is thriving in the warmer, CO2-rich atmosphere, and studies have shown that the pollen it produces is becoming more potent. This not only makes allergies worse but also increases the risk of asthma attacks in individuals who are sensitive to pollen.

5. Respiratory Infections and Climate Change

Climate change is also contributing to the spread of respiratory infections. Warmer temperatures and shifting weather patterns are altering the habitats of disease-carrying insects and animals, leading to an increase in respiratory infections like the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Warmer winters mean that flu season may last longer, while warmer, more humid conditions can promote the spread of RSV, which is particularly dangerous for infants and young children.

Additionally, heavy rainfall and flooding—both of which are becoming more common due to climate change—can lead to the growth of mold and mildew in homes, especially in poorly ventilated or water-damaged buildings. Exposure to mold can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues, particularly for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

6. Who Is Most at Risk?

While everyone is affected by climate change to some degree, certain populations are more vulnerable to its respiratory health impacts. Children are particularly at risk because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more rapidly than adults, taking in more air (and pollutants) per body weight. Asthma is already a leading cause of hospitalization in children, and climate change is only making it worse.

The elderly are another vulnerable group, as their immune systems are often weaker, and they are more likely to have pre-existing health conditions. The combination of heat stress and poor air quality during heatwaves can lead to serious respiratory complications in older adults.

Low-income communities are also disproportionately affected. These communities are more likely to live near sources of pollution, such as factories or highways, and may have less access to healthcare services. Climate change exacerbates existing health disparities, making it even more difficult for vulnerable populations to cope with respiratory illnesses.

7. What Can Be Done?

While climate change is a global issue, there are steps we can take at both the individual and societal levels to mitigate its impact on respiratory health:

• Monitor air quality: Pay attention to local air quality reports, especially on hot or smoky days. If the air quality is poor, stay indoors and use air purifiers if possible.

• Support clean energy policies: Reducing carbon emissions by transitioning to clean energy sources can help slow climate change and improve air quality.

• Improve urban planning: Cities can reduce pollution by investing in green spaces, promoting public transportation, and limiting industrial emissions.

• Raise awareness: Educating communities about the link between climate change and respiratory health can help individuals take steps to protect themselves and advocate for larger policy changes.

Conclusion

Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis, making it harder to breathe for millions of people around the world. As temperatures continue to rise, air quality is deteriorating, allergy seasons are growing longer, and respiratory diseases are becoming more widespread. Understanding the connection between climate change and respiratory health is crucial for protecting our lungs and addressing this growing concern. By taking action now, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a healthier future for all.