The confluence of global climate change crisis, human health and health inequalities: A scoping review

Background Extreme Weather Events (EWEs) disrupt the Earth’s delicate ecosystem balance and stability, negatively impacting planetary health. The study sought to identify and map existing global research evidence on effects of heatwaves, excessive rainfall/floods and drought on human health and health inequalities, discussing reported determinants, observed patterns, and existing gaps, serving as critical lessons for informing future research, preparedness and response efforts. Methods Grey literature and electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, MEDLINE (Ovid) and ProQuest were searched for relevant English language articles published before February 2025, using a Boolean search strategy. Results Guided by the PRISMA statement, a total of 38 articles were selected for analysis. Commonly reported effects were mortality; injuries, exacerbation of existing diseases and conditions; heat stress; nutritional deficiency conditions; negative maternal and child health outcomes; mental health conditions; vector-borne, water-and food-borne diseases, as either direct or indirect effects. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and lower socioeconomic population groups are more fragile and experience more vulnerability due to inadequate resources for preparedness, mitigation and response. There is limited research evidence from implementation science reporting effectiveness of adaptation measures against EWEs, and data surveillance information on climate-sensitive diseases/conditions, particularly in LMICs. Conclusions Given the alarming global warming trends, existing climate change evidence is an abundant invaluable capital to urgently leverage resilience-enhancing interventions. LMICs can adapt lessons learnt from climate-resilient economies or invest in enhancing resilience using tested and proven community co-constructed approaches to protect the public from health and social effects of EWEs, and to evaluate adaptation strategies.