Climate Change and Air Pollution: How Healthcare Providers Can Help Mitigate the Risks to Respiratory Health

The intricate relationship between climate change and air pollution is having a significant impact on public health.Increases in global temperatures are leading to extreme weather events, changes in plant growth patterns, and higher levels of aeroallergens and air pollution; all of which can exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions and increase the risk of developing respiratory and other diseases.In this article, four world leaders in the field of respiratory health outline the evidence linking climate change and air pollution to poor respiratory health outcomes.They highlight that people living with lung conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as pregnant people, children, older people, and those living in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC), are the most at risk.They emphasise the need for greater awareness among the public and healthcare professionals alike, talk about the role of healthcare teams in helping people to recognise and mitigate the risks, and share practical ways people can help to minimise the health impacts of climate change and pollution.