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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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Identifying the impact and critical windows of extreme temperatures on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in twin pregnancies. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation.
Woman holding her belly on grass land

Life Stage and Reproductive Health Noncommunicable Diseases

Identifying the impact and critical windows of extreme temperatures on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in twin pregnancies. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation.

Analyzing 3,769 twin pregnancies, this study links extreme heat and cold exposure to increased gestational diabetes risk. Critical windows of susceptibility were identified, underscoring the need to consider temperature extremes in maternal health strategies.

• Research & Reports

Pan, Y.R., Tang, W.Z., Xu, W.Z., et al.

Severe flooding and cause-specific hospitalisation among older adults in the USA: a retrospective matched cohort analysis. The Lancet Planetary Health.
A man walks by a mailbox next to a white car in a suburban driveway. The clear sky and trees are reflected in a large puddle on the street.

Noncommunicable Diseases Climate Change

Severe flooding and cause-specific hospitalisation among older adults in the USA: a retrospective matched cohort analysis. The Lancet Planetary Health.

This large-scale study examined over 4.5 million hospital records from adults over 65 in the U.S. and found that severe flooding was linked to higher hospitalization rates for skin, nervous system, and musculoskeletal diseases, and injuries.

• Research & Reports

Aggarwal, S., Hu, J.K., Sullivan, J.A., et al.

Long-term air pollution exposure and incident dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Planetary Health.
Older man stands in an ornate stone doorway, looking inside. A face mask hangs under his chin, his arms behind his back, conveying a contemplative mood.

Noncommunicable Diseases Air Pollution

Long-term air pollution exposure and incident dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Planetary Health.

This study found that long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution, especially fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon, is linked to a higher risk of developing dementia.

• Research & Reports

Rogowski, C.B.B., Bredell, C., Shi, Y., et al.

How Climate Change and Extreme Weather can Hurt Your Health
A person in a gray mask looks up amidst lush green foliage, wearing a black jacket. The mood is pensive and contemplative.

Noncommunicable Diseases Climate Change

How Climate Change and Extreme Weather can Hurt Your Health

This article explains how climate change and extreme weather harm physical and mental health. Experts, including PHA’s Sam Myers, highlight risks like heat illness, disease spread, food insecurity, disaster trauma, and climate anxiety.

• News

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