Life Stage and Reproductive Health Noncommunicable Diseases
Traffic-related air pollution exposure at birth and risk of childhood leukemia: Results from the GEOCAP-Birth case–control study. Environmental Health.
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WHAT IS PLANETARY HEALTH?
Noncommunicable Diseases
The leading cause of death and disability across the globe each year, NCDs are rising along with the prevalence of risk factors worsened by anthropogenic changes.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of global mortality, responsible for approximately 41 million deaths annually, equivalent to 74% of all global deaths, making their prevention and management critical public health priorities. Global environmental changes including climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater depletion, deforestation, overfishing, ocean acidification, soil degradation, etc. increase the prevalence and severity of NCDs.
Air pollution, primarily from fossil fuel combustion, is a significant driver of global morbidity and mortality. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 estimates that air pollution contributes to around one in six deaths annually worldwide. Long-term exposure to air pollution, especially in urban and densely populated areas, is linked to reduced lung function, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Climate change affects health through various direct and indirect mechanisms. Rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events—such as cyclones, floods, and storms—exacerbate health risks for individuals with chronic diseases. A systematic review of 48 studies from developed countries found that individuals with cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases faced increased risks of health complications following such disasters.
Increased heat exposure due to climate change is also associated with higher mortality rates, more emergency department visits, and increased hospital admissions for cardiovascular, respiratory, and kidney-related conditions. Additionally, climate change affects NCD risk through pathways linked to food and nutrition, further compounding the public health challenge.
Noncommunicable Diseases Resources
Noncommunicable Diseases Air Pollution
State of Global Air Report 2025
Experts reveal that over a third of the world’s population faces dangerous air pollution levels, with 2.6 billion people exposed to household pollution. They note that 95% of air pollution–related deaths in adults over 60 are tied to diseases like dementia, diabetes, and heart disease.
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Noncommunicable Diseases Air Pollution
Researchers uncover overlooked factor that could lead to liver disease: ‘A growing but poorly understood threat.’ The Cool Down.
Researchers uncovered some disturbing facts about the connections between liver disease and chemical pollutants.
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Noncommunicable Diseases Climate Change
Epidemiological characteristics of heat-related illness: A nationwide study in Taiwan. BMC Public Health.
Due to global warming, heat-related illness is rising worldwide. In Taiwan, over 100,000 cases were reported in the past two decades, with heat stroke being the most common and deadliest. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for stronger prevention and treatment strategies.
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Life Stage and Reproductive Health Noncommunicable Diseases
The health, environmental, and cost implications of providing healthy and sustainable school meals for every child by 2030: A global modelling study. The Lancet Planetary Health.
Researchers estimate the health, environmental, and financial impacts of expanding sustainable school meals for all children by 2030. Findings suggest substantial health and environmental benefits at low cost across countries of all income levels, though dedicated policy and financial support will be needed in low-income countries to achieve universal school meals.
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News Related to Noncommunicable Diseases
Supporting Healthy Childhoods in the Mediterranean
