A study led by the University of Bristol (UoB) has uncovered significant health risks associated with prolonged weather extremes in the UK, as climate change intensifies. The research brings together insights from climate scientists, meteorologists, and public health experts, revealing the extensive impact of extreme temperatures on public health.
The study links long-term exposure to extreme weather with serious health conditions such as cognitive decline, kidney disease, skin cancer, and the spread of infectious diseases. Lead author Dann Mitchell emphasised the “strong links” between these conditions and weather extremes, describing the findings as “cause for significant concern.”
While the effects of extreme weather on heart and lung health are well-known, this study provides a broader understanding of the interconnected health impacts. The report highlights that recurring heatwaves and flooding can worsen mental health issues and contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.
Additionally, the research suggests that prolonged heat exposure disrupts sleep, which is associated with cognitive decline and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Cold weather, on the other hand, may lead to more injuries from falls, as well as mental health issues stemming from isolation and physical inactivity.
Professor Mitchell, a climate science expert at the University of Bristol, stressed the potential for increased mortality and morbidity from long-term exposure to changing weather patterns—effects not fully captured in current climate risk assessments. He added that while more research is needed to understand how extreme heat and flooding interact with various health conditions, early findings suggest that ongoing heat stress could worsen pre-existing conditions, such as kidney disease.
“Using the UK as an example, we have set the stage for a globally-complete analysis of climate and health. [This] will provide a much-needed update to the current estimate, which only deals with a subset of diseases and is critically out of date,” Mitchell added.
Co-author Dr. Eunice Lo added that future steps will involve analysing long-term data and other factors that influence health outcomes over time, aiming to deepen understanding of climate’s effects on public health.