Abstract:
In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented a large amount of evidence
about global warming and the impact of human activities on global climate change. The Lancet Commission
have identified a number of ways in which climate change can influence human health: lack of food and safe
drinking water, poor sanitation, population migration, changing disease patterns and morbidity, more
frequent extreme weather events, and lack of shelter. Pregnant women, the developing fetus, and young
children are considered the most vulnerable members of our species and are already marginalized in many
countries. Therefore, they may have increased sensitivity to the effects of climate change. Published literature
in the fields of climate change, human health, tropical diseases, and direct heat exposure were assessed
through the regular search engines. This article demonstrates that climate change will increase the risk of
infant and maternal mortality, birth complications, and poorer reproductive health, especially in tropical,
developing countries. Thus, climate change will have a substantial impact on the health and survival of the
next generation among already challenged populations. There is limited knowledge regarding which regions
will be most heavily affected. Research efforts are therefore required to identify the most vulnerable
populations, fill knowledge gaps, and coordinate efforts to reduce negative health consequences. The effects
of malnutrition, infectious diseases, environmental problems, and direct heat exposure on maternal health
outcomes will lead to severe health risks for mothers and children. Increased focus on antenatal care
is recommended to prevent worsening maternal health and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Interventions
to reduce the negative health impacts caused by climate change are also crucial. Every effort should be
made to develop and maintain good antenatal care during extreme life conditions as a result of climate
change.
