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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

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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.

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.

• Research & Reports

Springmann, M., Hansoge, M.P., Schulz, L., et al.

Quantifying the short-term mortality effects of wildfire smoke in Europe: A multicountry epidemiological study in 654 contiguous regions. The Lancet Planetary Health.

Noncommunicable Diseases Air Pollution

Quantifying the short-term mortality effects of wildfire smoke in Europe: A multicountry epidemiological study in 654 contiguous regions. The Lancet Planetary Health.

The article highlights how fine particulate matter (PM2·5) from wildfire smoke could be more harmful to human health than that from other sources.

• Research & Reports

Alari, A., Ballestar, J., Mila, C., et al.

Tropical Deforestation is Associated With Considerable Heat-Related Mortality. Nature.
Photo by Pok Rie

Noncommunicable Diseases Climate Change

Tropical Deforestation is Associated With Considerable Heat-Related Mortality. Nature.

Tropical deforestation causes local warming, exposing 345 million people to higher heat stress and contributing to 28,000 heat-related deaths annually. Mortality is highest in Southeast Asia, underscoring deforestation’s major role in climate-related health risks.

• Research & Reports

Reddington, C.L., Smith, C., Butt, E.W., et al.

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