Climate change and child health in Europe: a scoping review of emerging impacts
Abstract
Children are extremely vulnerable to climate-related environmental impacts and air pollution due to both biological and behavioral factors. Despite the emerging evidence of the increasing effects of climate change on the world and on children's health, policies to drive change and halt the effects are lacking. Climate change is causing Europe to heat up faster than other continents. Here, we assessed the evidence-based effects of climate change and air pollution on child health in Europe. A scoping review was performed to map the impact of climate-related exposures on the health of children in Europe. A literature search was conducted in three bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase.com, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews/Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), for studies published between January 1, 2014, and November 11, 2024. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: original studies performed in Europe, addressing climate-related exposures (i.e., the effects of air pollution, heat stress and/or wildfires) on clinical outcomes in neonates, infants, and children (2.5 and PM10 exposure); few studies assessed other climate-related outcomes such as heat stress or wildfires.
Conclusion: Climate change is an active driver of pediatric morbidity in Europe, posing urgent respiratory, neurological, and perinatal risks amplified by social inequality. Protecting future generations demands a paradigm shift in healthcare that moves beyond treating…
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